Walk Me Home [Iwan]

[hari]

'So I made a good few coins today, in fact I do believe I made enough to treat mother to something extra special. The day is never complete until I see her smile and truly mean it. Even for a moment if I can bring her happiness is hopefully one step closer to being healthy again. Then that could be hopeful thinking. As when she smiles offers a fine shade of pink to her pale cheeks and for a moment all I see is my mother. How she use to always be, strong and taking care of everyone. Now she is the one that needs to be taken care of. I still have hope she will pull through, there are moments I doubt, but I cannot let the thoughts consume me. Or let her see my doubts. She just needs me to be there when I can. So I will continue to.'

It was late afternoon and Harriet had finished her day of selling her baked goods in Camelot. Now was the same trip she took every other evening back to her village and eventually back home. There was excitement that she would be home and see her family. There was that faint jolt in her mind was she going to see her mother a little better or worse. She dreaded the moments her mother worsened and she really hadn't shown a great deal of signs to get better. Upon her way down the same old road, Harriet stopped for a short break and found a quiet spot off the road. Her cart just nearby with Iris patiently waiting with a snort. Harriet would peak up to see the beast's eyes looking at her, with a smile Harriet would say soon. They'll be home soon. Animals may not speak, but they still can well give you that look. Harriet escaped a laugh as she dotted down upon her diary. Felt the tree trunk encase her back. After being on her feet most of the days, it was rather peaceful to sit here and be still. There be little chance until bedtime for her to fill in her diary as her mother needed taken care of and by the time came for her to put her head to the pillow, Harriet was already a sleep.

As she scribbled words after words. Allowing just for a moment to have for herself, which hardly ever exceed half an hour. She even felt a tad selfish for doing this, but feeling she might lose it if she didn't find even a small window of time. The chill was through the air from the wintery weather, though the sun had come out today which lent for a tad bit of warmth and a pleasant sunset in a few moments. There was also a lot of shadows being cast, but Harriet remained unfocused by them. She wore a simple handmade dress, a little dirty at the end and a simple coat to keep her decently warm. All in different shades of blues and hints of white. Her hair was let go tousled around her shoulders. Her attention was soon taken as Iris began snorting and carrying on more than usual. Something had unsettled her. Which caused Harriet to squint a little. Her green eyes the caught movement behind the cart. Which jolted her to rewrap her diary and taking it with her. As she rose to her feet silently. Nerved to her bones as she wasn't entirely sure what to make of it. Perhaps a creature had snuck in the back, it does happen. Though her instincts if she had any told her otherwise. She threw her diary back at the front of the cart as she moved to settle Iris with a pat.

Harriet then motioned around the cart to the back. See a couple of darkened clothed men going through her cart and belongings. "Hey..." Harriet had revved herself up to speak to them, but lost her nerve some where in the back of her throat. Feeling there had been something powerful to be said at the tip of her tongue. The burly men then motioned towards her. Which cause her to back up, until she couldn't. 'What?' She questioned to herself. Then felt the jolt escape her spine as she soon realised someone had stopped her. She stepped a little before she turned slowly to have her questions answered. It was a couple more of these men. Bandits? Perhaps? She wasn't one to really in the know to well know these things. All she knew was her life was threatened. Felt the nerves jolting her, but trying to think at the back of her head what her father told her if she was caught in situations like this. Something about pushing the nose or kicking below the belt. That would cause enough time to run she gathered. It was one thing to remember it was another thing to actually do i and there was plenty of them. Then a hand grabbed at her head. She struggled out of instinct and kicked out. Another came in and she just began kicking out. Randomly hitting them. Hard? perhaps not. Somehow instinct drove her elbow into the bandit that held her into his face. Causing him to let her go. Finding a small opening. She ran. What little chance it gave her! As she felt herself being grabbed and unable to break through now. Harriet screamed with her lungs and her eyes watered. She couldn't die now. She was needed. As she twisted in the grasp, before flinching as she felt a blade run along her cheek, causing her nerves to really go at it, but she tried to remain still. Feeling all she could do was surrender and she didn't like the feeling. Was it all meant to end now? Like this?

---

MUSIC:Mandy Moore - Walk Me Home

[Deleted]

Iwan hadn't had all that eventful a day, which was something he was rather glad about. His arms still ached from Arthur's somewhat overzealous training - Iwan was never going to be a fantastic swordsman - so he was happy that his duties this afternoon had been to simply check up on a small family in a fittingly small village who had been attacked by some magical creature Iwan had forgotten the name of. They had been the only family to suffer, which was rather odd, but now that the creature had been taken care of not much more thought was given.

He was now on his way back to Camelot where he was planning on having a rest before the inevitable invitation from Gwaine to join him in a tavern with the other knights. He didn't particularly care for doing out drinking but to deny an invitation would only alienate him further. He was only too aware of what the other knights thought of his social skills. Hopefully he'd have at least an hour so to prepare himself for Gwaine's insults after he got back.

Only it seemed the world had other ideas. He'd reacted to the scream before his brain even registered it, his instincts kicking in and his feet already running in the direction of where it came from. He could feel his sheath slapping against his thigh but that didn't matter right now. Nor did the ache in his arms that was starting up again. This is why he became a knight, he didn't need his own body trying to deny him that right now.

When he eventually reached the scream's source he paused, making sure he hadn't been seen. There was a young girl but he couldn't make out how many men. Right. Focus. Best course of action? The only thing springing in his mind was that he needed reinforcements. Well, that wasn't helpful right now. Still out of sight he unsheathed his sword as quietly as possible and started approaching the scene. The only thing he had going for him was the element of surprise, and even that wouldn't last for long...

Taking a breath, he stepped out, presenting himself and trying to look a lot more confident than he did. "I do hope I'm not interrupting anything," he began, moving closer, sword held in one hand but by his side, "Only I couldn't help but here a scream." He looked directly at the young girl, strangely his put upon confidence appeared to be working. "You look like you need some assisstance."

[hari]

The world felt a little still. Her body stiff. Harriet's nerves ran a wild. Her blood circulated in a frenzy all while she tried to keep her breath. Held it, realising her chest grew to tight that she could no longer hold it. Caused a rush of another kind as she felt the coldness at her cheek. The grip around her throat. Knowing one false move could lead to something deadly. Felt her teeth draw in her bottom lip, rolling it and biting it just a little. As tears from her streamed down uncontrolled down her cheeks, fearing now if she even screamed a little and felt that oddly difficult. As for this small moment when the world around fell out of sight. All Harriet thought was her mother. Her brother. She wanted the courage to find a way out and get home. She shouldn't of stopped when she had she thought. Just went straight home.

There was no telling how many there was, they seemed to many to Harriet. Even one was too many. As they threatened to just take the whole cart. It was alarming, even if it wasn't worth her life. It was much how her family survived on. Tor made enough coin to keep the farm running and Harriet made enough to keep their mother healthy and to keep the house going. Much her life. Her work was in that cart. It wasn't a simple fact to replace it. It would cost coin she would need to find. Until then she would be left finding other means to transport. Which she would do no matter how difficult it was, Harriet would find a way to help her family. Nothing meant more.

Soon came a breath and someone stepped out. Harriet thought just another bandit. Just as the one before her then twisted her around to pin her back to him, the knife tighter to her throat. As the man. The handsome knight. Harriet was pleasantly surprise to see. She suddenly felt a little safer and read the confidence in his voice. Enough to send this girl a little hope. Just minus the knife at her throat. "No. No. Nothing that needs to concern you. Unless you wish for an early grave for both you and the girl." Harriet flinched a little as the bandit spoke that held her. As a couple surrounded the knight. It was maybe a little premature to wonder who exactly he was. Only that he was seeming to put his life on the line for her. Harriet feared speaking and nodded to his last words. Almost begging with her eyes, but she feared what the man said. That it could cause this man's death, so she lightly shook her head instead. Perhaps it wasn't something she should ask. After all he did not know her. He was already brave having taken these steps. "... It's fine... I... I'll be fine." Harriet managed up struggled from her voice, barely believing what she had said herself, but she felt she hadn't much choice. Felt the knife at her neck lowered at her words. As if her words had given him confidence, Harriet did want him to help, but not if it was at the cost of his life. The last thing she wanted was to be responsible for two families at a loss. Even if she showed the fear of her own death. Her eyes danced upon this possible knightly man, with such confidence. Maybe he could risk it, but at what cost? Harriet flinched at the thought. Feeling an opening. It wasn't at all strong as she then struggled to elbow the man again. Causing him to loosen his grip even more as well as knocking his knife out of his hand. Harriet motioned to pick it up. To find his sword pointed at her as she rose and the other bandits surrounded them. Causing her hand to weaken with the knife. Swallowed. Not knowing what to do. Had she just sentenced them both to die?

[Deleted]

Iwan was starting to regret throwing himself into this situation, but it was too late now and he hadn't had any time to go back to the castle and find someone else. He was just going to have to somehow save the day by himself. Right, no pressure then. He was still holding his sword, not yet at the bandits, but making it obvious he was armed and not afraid to use it. He may be first and foremost an archer, but he still knew his way around the weapon - all knights of Camelot did.

He must have surprised the bandits because one of them immediately grabbed the girl, pressing a throat to her neck. The man was clearly unused to being faced by one man (because it was a ridiculous situation for Iwan to be in) so he'd panicked and probably hoped to play on Iwan's sympathies. Surely he wouldn't want the girl harmed? Surely he'd rather walk away than watch her have her throat slit? Iwan watched him carefully, trying to read the man's expression but also keeping an eye on the others. He was rather outnumbered.

The girl, unsurprisingly, was frightened, but then who wouldn't be in her situation? She was trying to be brave though, telling Iwan that she was fine when she quite clearly wasn't. Before he could think to do anything, she'd elbowed the man holding her but her victory was short lived and now there was a sword instead of a knife. He sighed. Brilliant. Damn girl. His shock at her actions had made him lose concentration and now the two men who had been closing in on him where even closer and, he noticed, rather armed. Was there anything in his favour?

He resisted the urge to lift his own sword, instead he began to speak, trying to buy himself some time to think of some way to get both him and the girl out of this alive. "Well you see now this does concern me. It concerns me rather a lot. So tell me," his voice was confident but he was anything but, "As you're going to kill me anyway, what exactly do you want with this girl? Surely it cannot take so great a number for one woman?" He finished by raising his eyebrows and gripping his hilt even tighter.

[hari]

There really was no turning back now as Harriet held the little knife. It felt so fable and weak in her hands. An object she was well used to when cooking. Chopping up veggies. Somehow she thought this was different than trying to cut through a tomato. She cringed at the thought. The red. The smell. Of blood. As she shook a little on the spot. Backed up slightly that she was soon finding herself a little closer to the knight who had come to her rescue. Who was seeming rather quiet about it? Harriet was sure he was planning up something or perhaps now as he sent her that faint look as if she could have possibly doomed them all... Either that or she just imagined that was what he was thinking. She could tell he was brave. He held a sword far better than she was holding this knife. He had barely moved and Harriet was sure now he was sticking this out.

Suddenly feeling much like the little wee mouse dangling in the midst of a flock of birds. As the couple of men circled the nest. Then the knight spoke. Her green eyes a little scared to leave the man with the large pointy sword at her wake, to take a peak at her saviour. She smiled a little at his words and felt the tinge of hope in her heart. He was staying. Putting himself out for her when he didn't have to. He could have walked on by and let her slip into nothingness upon the ground. But he saw a life possibly worth saving and a chance she could find her way home once more. Harriet then jolted as he spoke of his death. Frowning her eyes away from him and suddenly felt the pain of the situation she had now put him in. There was something in his tone, she was sure was a voice of a hero... Just like Apollo. He was just waiting for the right time to strike. Least it was what Harriet was liking to think at least.

'So you've come to play the heroic knight in hopes of impressing the damsel... No need to wreck your costume pretty boy... We just want what's ours. You can have the girl... We take the cart.'

As Harriet was left feel still rather small as they spoke of her between themselves. Almost relaxed a little as he could have the girl, despite how it could sound. Was she safe now? Free? Then she shot herself still as he spoke of the cart. Swallowing hard. She couldn't lose the cart, but she was left questioning was it really worth her life. It was much her life. Iris? As her eyes looked to her horse. "No... No... You can't... I..." Harriet voiced out loud not able to form a great deal as if she was already surrendering to it. Lost her will to speak. Felt the thud crazy of her heart as she was at ends with what this all meant. 'We can't my darling? Oh, but we can... What can you possibly do to stop us? Huh?' Harriet flinched at his words as well as lowering her knife feeling a little defeated. Knowing they weren't taking it cos of the food. They wanted the cart, her coins and her horse. "but, I need it to help my family." Whispered as she lowered her head a little as her eyes peaked to the knight. Mostly speaking to herself as she needed the cart to make the coins to help her mother get better. To keep the house going. Getting a new cart wouldn't be cheap, but would this be really worth their lives.

[Deleted]

It was safe to say Iwan was not impressed with the man’s words. He was not playing the heroic knight. He was a heroic knight, well, in theory anyway. But he was a knight. And as such he’d appreciate a little less lip from some random bandit. His eyes narrowed slightly, firstly because it was a natural reaction when he was annoyed but also because he was trying to assess the situation properly. He could probably disarm the two men around him – that would be easy enough but it would leave the girl vulnerable. The other man could easily hurt, or even kill, her while he was occupied.

“I don’t make deals with the likes of you.” He replied defiantly. Men like this were hardly trustworthy, so even if Iwan was considering his deal it would probably not end well. Fortunately for the young woman, Iwan was not an idiot. “But if I did, they would be something like this: leave now and I will not be forced to use violence. The choice is yours.” He was not going to get out of the situation without some blood being spilt, so he might as well just go for it. It was too late for words of caution but maybe his threats would unnerve the man and he could use that to his advantage.

The girl’s reaction to the man’s words only served to anger Iwan further. She was an innocent in all this, and someone Iwan had sworn to protect when he became a knight. He would therefore not stand by and let her be treated in such a way. “Do not speak to her in that way,” he said firmly, “Your quarrel is with me.” At this, he finally raised his sword, to the man, aware of the reactions of the other two. Somehow he needed to get the girl away from the action otherwise he’d be concentrating on her safety rather than defending himself. “Let her go.” Well, it was better than nothing although whether it was good enough was entirely dependent on the bandit.

[hari]

Harriet felt a little lost. Pondering over the thought if they were going to take her cart. Felt her eyes looking mostly upon the ground. Rolling her lip between her teeth. Having the feeling a need to protest, but what could she say. Nay, what could she possibly do about it? As her hand shook weakly of the knife by her side. She admired the knight stood his ground, but she felt perhaps this was asking to much. It could mean he was laying down his life and it just didn't sit right with her. Her eyes finally looked up to take a peak as her attention fell mostly on the knight that she was pleased and oh so grateful he was here. Saw how the man's remark didn't so much scared him, it made him maybe a little heated in the eyes, but for the most part came at the man rather strongly. Harriet couldn't help than to smile at this knight's pride and she knew with his hands they may had a chance. Not with hers. Not her own that still faintly shook. She couldn't half stopped the slight restarting of her heart even in the back of her mind she wasn't so keen at the thought of violence, but she kind of liked he stood up to him. In way Harriet wished she could, but just wasn't as brave. She just needed enough for her family, nothing more.

'Really? You and what army? Well so be it, seems you have chosen death, too bad poppet he's sentenced you as well... Get him... Or maybe I'll just hold on to her... What you think, poppet?'

Harriet froze as they spoke. Felt the tinge bit of warmth as the knight spoke up for her. She found it somehow interesting how it angered him and all she felt now was he wanted to protect her. Harriet swallowed hard she couldn't recall such kindness save on rare occasions she let Tor, She blushed slightly that there was little she could stop him. This was different. This knight respected her even if she felt utterly useless. Then crash. Bang. As the bandit pretty much agreed to violence. Harriet felt all kinds of goosebumps and felt she almost lost her throat as he mentioned her as well. No. No.No. She shook her head, what had she done. As he then set the two men upon the knight. With Harriet unable to lend so much than a chance swipe of the knife. Maybe she should of spoke up and just took the courage to give over the cart, but she had faith in her hero.

Then her eyes shot as the bandit spoke he may keep her. Keep Harriet instead. Harriet motioned back as he approached her. Still unable to speak as she shook her head. She didn't want to think what he meant. Harriet then soon felt pushed back more and more. Before feeling the cart at her back. She swallowed at the thought, as she rose the knife in hand, but she was no match. Finding an opening she motioned out of the way. Found away out of sight around the cart to the other side. Escape. She breathed. She could so easily run, but as she hit her head against the cart behind, she couldn't. Not while the knight had come to save her life. Harriet then moved around the cart to come out from behind. Found something heavy from the back of her cart. Crept as well as she could. With shaking hands hit the bandit over the head. Causing him to duck and stumble, but it didn't hold him down. As soon his hand was at Harriet's throat and pulled her feet a bot off the ground. As Harriet struggled to breathe and felt the grip tightening.

[Deleted]

Alright, Iwan was horribly outnumbered but there must be some way out of this? Surely? He must have been in tighter scrapes than this before. Nothing was springing to mind, but he was quite convinced there must have been some time or another. He was a knight of Camelot, he faced worse threats than this everyday...he should think. He wasn't exactly brimming over with confidence but he wasn't going to show the men that. The worst thing he could do right now was show how nervous he was. "I am a knight of Camelot." He said firmly, "I do not need an army." His words were more to convince himself than to instill any fear.

If only he could just get rid of them with some fake confidence. This was one of the few times in his life he found himself thinking how lucky Sir Gwaine was. He was one of those men who could just throw himself into a situation without even considering the consequences. Iwan on the other hand was a planner and a thinker and could imagine an infinite number of consequences, most of which didn't end happily for him.

He hadn't been paying all that much attention the girl, so it was rather a surprise when she seemingly appeared out of nowhere and hit the man on the back of the head. He stumbled forward a few paces but it was going to take a lot more than that to do any serious damage. Before Iwan had time to react the man had hold of her. Right then. Why couldn't she just have stood there? Iwan had been dealing with the situation...sort of. But now it was a lot trickier to try and get them both out of this alive. "I told you to let her go." There was an obvious anger in his voice. "Do as I say and I won't be forced to use violence."

[hari]

There came the crushing feeling. The tightening of the grip, just enough Harriet was still breathing, but struggling. Felt her legs dangled underneath her and her eyes frightened in fear now. What had she done? Why did she ever think she could be brave and it actually work? Now she was paying for that, all she had expected of today was simply going back home and now there may never be that chance. Then there came that light again in the midst of all the mess Harriet seemed to create. She faintly heard something about not needing an army and somehow she really believed him. Through her blurred eyes, she could almost see him and ponder a gratitude he was doing what she could never do. Then came the belly laugh at her ear at his words. Causing Harriet to shut her eyes, felt the tinge of disrespect unpleasant. For she had faith seeming more so than the bandit did, in this knight and quite possibly her hero. Yes, as her throat struggled a groan, as her eyes met his own and they bled for him just enough. As his words cut through her heart with hope as he demanded the bandit to let her go.

'I don't know. She sure is a pretty thing... Sure could fetch a decent amount of coin.'

Harriet tried to swallow, but it was difficult as her eyes cringed at his words. Felt his other hand. His fingers caress her cheek and she actually felt ill. Moved to caress her hair down her neck as he spoke of coin. Harriet hadn't the faintest idea what he meant. Sell her? She didn't even want to understand. In which she felt quite worthless in that moment. Was she so easy to be sold? But her life was here. Harriet's eyes trickled with tears and fear with what she could bring up. "Please.. Don't... I" Harriet struggled out softly between his grasp. Felt a pain in her chest unceasing.

'But, then again she is so pretty... Why don't I just hold on to her... I'll return her I promise when we're done playing. Just maybe not in one piece.'

Now Harriet felt ill. Scared and utterly confused. Felt his voice so close to her ear. Whether he was putting on an act, Harriet believed him. She just wasn't sure whether he wanted her alive or dead. She was too scared to react, with his hand still around her neck. Then he spoke of pieces. Causing Harriet to swallow difficult at that thought. Felt his sword pressed cold against her cheek, then came the small slice of her skin. Felt the sting grow as her blood seeped through, trickled warmly running down her neck. His grip went a little tighter, then something jolted the bandit from something the knight had said.

'If you really want me to let her go... Then so be it.'

The bandit's grip then let go of her neck and slightly threw her. Causing Harriet's head to half bounce off the cart wheel. As her body then slid to the ground hard. As her hand motioned for something. Her head swooned heavily as her eyes tried to grasp any form of light. A deep groan escaped her lips as pain spread.