::Caitrin:: Never Too Late

[cat]

Mordred made his way. His traveling taking him to new places he had not once seen before, it was a rather nice journey though he was not sure why he continued to travel everywhere. What did it give him? Was he benefiting from it? With a slight shrug he continued on his way always looking over his shoulder because he was never alone and he could never stay in one place for too long. He was tired though his little legs only took him soo far. The ten year old boy living on his own going where ever he pleased but he was tired of always having to be on the move. Mordred just wanted a home something he could come back to when he wanted. But every time he had a place it was always overrun by men who killed and took leaving nothing. Mordred had watched friends and family die while he escaped, he had finally come to the conclusion that no place was safe and he could trust no one.... No one except Morgana whom he lost contact with since she came out and tried to take over the Kingdom more than once. Many times has he tried to find her but with so much area to search it was taking a very long time.

While walking he found this rather large and odd tree, seeing as he was a small boy he crawled into the opening at the trunk where normally a small animal would go to have a home or store it's food but this time Mordred was taking up the space to get out of the cold just for a little while. It was still day time though the clouds covered most of the light blue sky. The winds blew hard off and on all day. It seemed that the Earth was ready for a storm which meant that Mordred would have to find a cave or abandoned house to reside in while the storm took place but he had some time before it happened. At the moment he was tired and his feet ached so maybe a small nap would be good for him. Just to rest his head for a little. Settling into the small cramped space where it was dark and he was hidden from the world Mordred closed his eyes just for a little while.

It seemed like only seconds that he had his eyes closed but it had been hours. There was a snap of a twig that startled the young boy. Sitting up still hidden in the darkness of the small tree hole he looked around to see who might be wondering by, was it just a girl or someone he should fear. His heart racing his big blue eyes slowly scanned the area around him trying hard to find who or what made that noise. The sun was going to set soon and Mordred needed to find better shelter than the hole in the tree but with something or someone out there most likely bigger than him he had to be cautious. Yes Mordred had powers and he was very strong it was not always wise to use it. Sometimes it was better to just run and completely avoid confrontation.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin Aubert continued her walk through the forest. She had been told on numerous occasions that she should not do so alone, but it was the only freedom she was allowed at the end of the day. Even more so now that she was married. It wasn’t that that she didn’t enjoy marriage, because she did, and she loved her husband. However sometimes she just craved a bit of time on her own when she wasn’t constantly trying to break up arguments between her husband and her Uncle. The way they went on sometimes, Caitrin wondered just how old they really were. But they were her little family she supposed that she had to love them unconditionally. They wouldn’t be alone either for much longer, as her ever swelling belly was a constant reminder of that fact.

Caitrin was only four months pregnant, so she was still pretty mobile, as the child within her didn’t really bother her that much. She was sure that this would change sharply as her pregnancy drew on, but for now she was going to enjoy her walk in the forest because she knew she wouldn’t be afforded the freedom much longer. Her fitted dress didn’t hide her condition at all, and she pulled her cloak around her shoulders as she continued to walk onwards. Griff, her husband, hadn’t been happy about letting her go on her own, especially because she was pregnant. However, she had pointed out that he and her Uncle were both busy, and she had a secondary motive for coming out to the forest anyway. Her morning sickness was still dominant, and she just wanted to collect some more rosemary to help her body adjust to its new state.

She began to hum softly to herself and kept her herb basket close to her body. She had half a loaf in there as well, but that had been at her Uncle’s insistence. He believed pregnant women should always be eating or something, for the health of the baby. Caitrin didn’t agree, but she had taken the bread anyway to keep him quiet. She hadn’t strayed too far from her family estate anyway, as she was only a twenty minute walk away at most. As the sun was setting in the sky she knew she would be heading back soon anyway.

She wasn’t worried about the dark, because she knew she would always be able to light her way. That was one of the advantages of being a sorceress of course. After all, no one would see a thing this deep into the woods. Caitrin finally spotted the plant that had been evading her for so long. The rosemary was growing nearby a large tree which Caitrin didn’t really take much notice of at first. She snapped a tree branch under her foot and as she leant down to get the rosemary, one hand on her belly, she could hear shuffling coming from the general direction of the tree. She picked the rosemary, keeping one eye near the tree and bit her lip. Had it just been the wind? It was times like this that made her feel slightly paranoid. “Hello? Is anybody there?” She asked slowly, and began to walk towards the tree, she could see there was a hole in the bottom of it, but surely no one could be in there? Well, no one threatening at least, “Hello?” She tried again, perhaps she had just been hearing things, but she knelt down, one hand at her belly again, as she looked around to try and source out where she had heard the shuffling coming from.

[cat]

He looked around and spotted the source of the noise it was a woman, a very beautiful woman who seemed to be carrying an infant. She seemed to be looking for something and she had seemed to found it by the tree Mordred was currently located at. Looking at her as she spoke with such a soft yet almost frightened voice. He wondered why she was out here by herself while being pregnant it was a dark and scary world but than again not everyone was what they seemed to be just look at himself. He was a ten year old boy who could throw many grown men far into the distance with just a single scream of the voice and mind. Thinking for a second he began to speak but not with his voice instead with his mind "Hello?" His voice was young and not very scary but the fact that it was coming from his mind could be a problem. If she was of magic at all she would be able to hear him, if she was not than well he would know.

He peeked his icy blue eyes out of the hole and watched the young woman closely she seemed so nice but nothing nice ever happened to him he was doomed to be cursed at least that is how he felt in his mind. Mordred made sure to stay in the darkness of the hole but was still able to see her and examine her carefully. The little hole was a good secure place for him to be he could watch but not be able to be seen it was nice, he almost felt safe, the wooden walls secured him and kept him dry. He shuffled a little more just to get a better view or the lady. Speaking once again just encase she didn't hear him the first time or just to really test if she could hear him or not. "Hello. Why are you out here at this time of day?" His voice still little and innocent sounding. Mordred didn't need to be harsh when there was no threat plus he didn't want to freak her out too much.

Mordred was tired and it was showing on his face, he was dirty and slightly cold. He had his forest green cloak but that was about it and it was not going to shield him from the rain or snow. His clothes had some holes but that was from the bushes and other plants grabbing at him, though he would not have them if he didn't have to be on the run all the time. Maybe one of these days he will get his hands on some money for clothes or just his hands on clothes, what ever he can do to survive. Watching her he kept his mind open, well he was trying to but sitting there quietly his mind seemed to wonder all over the place he couldn't help it though. The small hole he sat in was getting slightly uncomfortable he needed to get out and stretch his legs but with this woman here he didn't know if it was safe or not so he staid still until he could for sure know. She seemed nice but he couldn't be sure JUST yet.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was almost certain that she had heard something, but of course she could be wrong. After all, there were plenty of explanations to write off the rustling she had heard. There were plenty of animals which could be held responsible. She did however stay crouched down on the off chance that there was someone else in the clearing. It didn’t feel like she was alone, well of course she wasn’t alone, she had the child within her, but it still felt like she wasn’t alone in the clearing. Perhaps she was just hoping for a bit of excitement in her walk. Sighing she placed the rosemary in her basket and put her hands on her knees.

She was about to give up, when she heard a soft, weak voice saying hello back to her. She paused and looked back to where the voice was coming from. It sounded like the voice was coming from the hole in the tree, and if she wasn’t mistaken, it was a child’s voice. She blinked slightly; she hadn’t expected such a young voice to be chiming back at her. Although she could have been mistaken, the way she heard the voice sounded rather odd, but that wasn’t important was it? She shifted forwards and tried to look into the small hole, to see if she had really heard something.

Brushing some hair behind her ear, she heard the voice again, and her head naturally inclined towards the small gap in the tree trunk. It was defiantly a child’s voice, and her hand went to her swollen belly straight away. Why on earth was a child out here on his own? She smiled kindly down at the gap, sure that she could make out a young boy within the gap. Of course it was natural to be frightened of her, weren’t children taught from a young age to not trust strangers after all? “I’m collecting herbs.” She answered in a calm, and friendly voice. “What are you doing out here at this time of day?” Caitrin repeated his question back to him, just to keep things slow for now, after all she didn’t want to frighten him.

As she looked down at the small hole, she could finally see the boys small face peering back at her. Caitrin felt an odd sense of protection for the boy straight away. He just looked tired, and frightened, and Caitrin didn’t want to make him feel as if she were any threat to him. “Are you out here by yourself?” She finally asked, as she was just looking on at him in concern. How on earth could someone leave a small boy in the middle of the woods by himself? It made her feel slightly sick, as she was sure that none of her children would ever be forced into such a position.

[cat]

Mordred watched her carefully she seemed to pose no threat. What could she really do she was with a child inside her. He could tell that she was trying to be gentle with him and seeing that she was with child mother instincts would have already kicked in. Mordred nodded to himself really and than slowly crawled out of the small little cramped hole. When he got out he stood up and stretched his little legs, the hole may have provided him protection but it was rather dirty so his clothes were filthy and his face was covered by dirt he stood there before her he was small and quiet. His big blue eyes stared at her not really moving too much and he kept his distance just for safety. It was not like he was scared of her he knew he could protect himself but it was more the fact that she was there and she knew he was there. She must have had magic in order to spot where he was talking from seeing as he didn't use his words instead he used his mind it was the only thing that made sense.

She spoke again and told him what she had been doing out here by herself. "What are the herbs for? Is it for your baby?" Mordred asked, he was a very smart little boy but he was not a female he didn't know what it was like to carry a child around nor what it was like to have a mother or be around a baby. These sort of things kind of went over his head but he knew many other things he knew how to survive what plants were safe to eat or what plants could kill someone without anyone ever detecting it. "I was taking a nap. It was warm in there." Mordred answered her questions, it was completely real and honest he didn't feel the need to lie to her she was just curious about him and why shouldn't she be she was going to be a mother and her instincts were kicking in plus he was just a child a young one at that so why should he be by himself. Mordred almost felt bad about worrying her since she was carrying and that was not good for her or the child but he couldn't stop how she felt.

Mordred noticed the bread in her basket and his stomach growled like a lion. Sure he ate but there was not much to eat out here, there was hunting but he didn't have any weapons to hunt with and Mordred didn't know the extent of his powers just yet so it was not like he could do too much. He went from staring at her basket to looking at her in the face, she looked so kind. His blue eyes looked deep into her own she seemed so happy. Mordred only wished he could have that like she has. But nothing good ever came out of it. Every time he spoke he did not use his words it was all through mind. Others would just think he was a mute but those with magic could hear him very well and she could to which was nice he did not like to use his voice. Standing there he gripped his cloak and held it around himself as if to stay warm while the wind gently blew through the trees. He stood there waiting for her to speak to do something, it was interesting to see a women who had a child in her something new to Mordred that was for sure.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin knelt up slightly, and shifted her cloak as she waited for the young boy to make a move. She didn’t want to be too quick and jumpy and scare him. If it turned out he was here on his own then that would be the last thing that he would need. She heard shifting, and it became clear very quickly that the boy was getting out of his hiding place. Caitrin smiled kindly at the boy, after all, she meant him no harm. He looked quite dirty, from everything from his face to the state of his cloak. She felt sympathy for him straight away, though she knew nothing of his circumstances. It wasn’t right for any child to be in such a condition, and her eyes quickly flicked over him, checking that he wasn’t harmed in any way. It didn’t appear that he was, but she was still concerned somewhat.

She didn’t want to bombard the child with too many questions too early on in the conversation. When she had been ten, she had been so stubborn that if she were in the same situation she probably would have run off by now. At least he hadn’t run off yet, Caitrin only wanted to try and help him, and she couldn’t do that if he did run. After all, she really wasn’t in any state to run after him in her condition. Though she was not uncomfortably pregnant, at five months gone, running was not really an option.

When the boy spoke again, Caitrin was about to answer straight away but she stopped herself and couldn’t help a look of confusion seeping over her face. The boy was speaking, or at least she could hear him, but his lips were not moving. At first she thought it was a trick, or maybe she’d missed his lips moving completely, but she quickly became convinced that she hadn’t. She wasn’t scared, she was just confused, but intrigued as well. She decided to address that later however, and just smiled back at him in a soft sort of way. “They are to help me adjust to the baby; I’ve been unwell you see.” Her morning sickness had left her quite weak, and though she was five months pregnant she was still being sick. She had been told that was normal, but it was still irritating. The rosemary, taken as tea, was supposed to help her body adjust somewhat. She hoped that it would help at least.

The boys reply wasn’t exactly what she had asked, but perhaps that was all he wanted to answer with for now. She nodded at him and smiled, not sure where to take that comment. Perhaps she was seeing too much into this, but she was sure that she wasn’t. As usual, once Caitrin had taken something to heart, it became hard to shift it. She did however notice him staring at her basket, as it had the bread in it. She looked at the bread and then looked back to the boy. She took it out of the basket and extended her arm to offer him the bread. That of course would be a test of whether he trusted her enough to take the bread from her hands or not. “Would you like it?” She asked him gently, as she had no intention of eating it anyway. Then of course her thoughts moved back to how the boy was speaking to her at all, and she pressed her lips together, unsure of how to broach the question at all. It was some form of speaking with the mind, and therefore sorcery. Although it panicked Caitrin slightly at first, it didn’t concern her too much. After all, it wasn’t as if they were in a public place. “If you don’t mind me asking, how are you speaking like that.” She hoped he knew what she meant, as it wasn’t the best way of explaining something.

[cat]

She spoke of herbs helping her adjust and it made some sense to the boy but he still could never wrap his mind around carrying a child in the belly for such a long period of time. Mordred wasn't even sure how they got it out maybe it too was magic. He never had anyone there to actually explain these things to him. He looked at her belly examining the largeness of it, she looked a little like taffy Mordred thought about it well kind of she was still in the same form in her face and everywhere else it was just the belly that had seemed to grow an un-normal way. It was round almost like a ball. Mordred cleared his mind of what he was thinking it about, it seemed rather distracted of what he was really talking about with her plus it was too much for the boy to understand fully and unless someone wanted to explain things to him he was just going to have to drop it.

The lady before him than offered the bread to him, the same bread he had been staring at. He couldn't help himself he had not eaten much in the last couple of days so his stomach seemed to do a little bit of the talking for him as it grumbled and gurgled at the sight of such a delicious item. Taking a deep breath he reached his small hand out, it was slow to reach her but he got there and lightly gripped the bread, it let off a small crunch when he grabbed it. Holding on to it he looked at her "I can have this? What about you and your baby?" Again speaking through the mind instead of using his words. Mordred was hungry but he did not want to take from a mother and a child, there were many things Mordred would do to survive but taking from mother and child were not one of them. Mordred was not all sweet and innocent he has done things that have been something along the lines of evil and cruel but he had his limits and this did not involve life or death.

She than asked a question he had been waiting for. Mordred expected it seeing as she could hear him but it seemed she did not understand how or why, this made him smile "I am speaking to you through our minds. Those who use magic are able to access a part of their mind that allows us to communicate with others like us. It is weird at first I know but it comes in handy for communicating without everyone else knowing. I learned it when I was amongst my kind." Mordred tried to explain it the best he could it was no where near as good as when the elder explained it to him and showed him how to use it. But he tried and that was all that mattered. Mordred figured this was an important thing to learn it allowed one to speak freely among their own kind without being persecuted for what they were. He enjoyed speaking with his mind instead of his words though he did not do it to everyone.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin noticed the boy was looking over her, she smiled slightly. She was used to people staring at her condition by now. She often observed that she looked more pregnant than she was because of her petite figure. She put a hand on her belly and smiled down at the bump. She was already quite excited about the prospect of becoming a mother, she didn’t care whether it was a boy or a girl, she just wanted to love, and raise the child. She had so much to look forwards to, and though she knew she would face difficulties raising a child, as every mother did, she was still excited. Her hand was still on her belly, so she looked up to the boy. “I only have four more months to go until I meet my baby.” She explained fondly, in case he had been wondering about her baby. If not then it would seem like a slightly random comment.

Caitrin wasn’t sure exactly what she had been expecting, but she had almost thought that the child wasn’t going to come towards her, and that maybe he would run off instead. She didn’t want to intimidate him, or make him feel threatened, no, she just wanted to help in any way that she could. He hadn’t taken the bread completely from her, but she nodded slowly to show that he was fine to take the bread. She hadn’t really been intending on eating it anyway, as her Uncle had just insisted she took something in case she did feel hungry while she was out walking. Her family worried too much about her too much in their own way sometimes, but it was nice she supposed in a way. It showed that they cared. “Don’t worry, we can survive without that loaf of bread, take it.” Of course she didn’t just speak for herself, she spoke for her unborn child as well. That felt strange in a way, but it was a sensation she enjoyed. So she just stayed quite still, hoping that he would take the bread. He didn’t look like he had eaten for days, and it just added to her concern. Jesu, how had a child like this ended up in such a situation?

The fact he was speaking to her through their minds confirmed the fact that he did have magic, but it felt odd for him to refer to her as ‘us’. She hadn’t been part of the magical community, well, ever. She had always been on the outskirts, especially since coming to live in Camelot. So she had given herself away as being a sorceress right from the off without even realising it. However, she didn’t feel threatened by the fact the child knew this about her, because he wasn’t threatened that she knew he had magic. It would be something to be concerned about later Although the child was still speaking to her though their minds, Caitrin was still speaking verbally. She wondered if she would be able to speak in such a way. “So can all those with magic speak with their minds? Would that mean I could speak with the mind as well?” It was more out of curiosity than anything. It certainly would be quite an interesting trait to work on. She then realised something crucial about this conversation, she hadn’t even introduced herself. “My name is Caitrin by the way.” She didn’t ask his name, because she was sure he would volunteer it, she also didn’t use her title as it wasn’t really needed here. It was only a child she was speaking to after all, and she wanted him to feel comfortable in her company.

[cat]

As soon as she let go completely of the bread he plopped his dirty little bum on the ground right in front of her like he had no care in the world and nodded to her in a manner of thanks. He placed the bread to his nose and took a giant sniff. Smelling the bread he let off a small sigh of relief than with a quick movement he took a giant bite out of it. There were not many manners behind his bite but than again being a child without any family or anyone there to teach him things he didn't really have a need for manners as long as he was surviving he really did not care how he was acting. He said his pleases and thank yous which was important and he did know how to use eating utensils but he didn't have any of them so it didn't really matter. Chewing fully than swallowing as she spoke about her and her baby "Will this be your first child? Or do you have others to?" He was a little curious about her, she was so nice and very motherly already so it made him curious to whether or not she already had kids.

She spoke about how she only had a few months to go till her baby would come into this world "You must be excited for it to come." He was not sure what to call the thing he didn't know if it was a boy or a girl. He shrugged a little at himself and his own thoughts. It was a little weird for Mordred and if he hadn't been so hungry in the first place he probably wouldn't still be here. He would have ran off and never been seen again but he was hungry and she was friendly... Enough he didn't know her well but she was with child and it must of made things hard either way he was not afraid of her, he knew a lot of his magic so he would be able to protect himself. Mordred took a couple more bites, the bread tasted wonderful against his tongue. This was better than anything he had in a while ad he was excited to be able to eat it. He leaned back against the tree his bread in hands.

The woman than asked if she could do it with others and Mordred didn't see why not "I do not see why not. Everyone in my old village who possessed magic ability could. I am sure if you tried you would be able to do it to." Mordred was well educated but as the same time there were still many things he did not know. It was obvious he was smart and had seen many things beyond his years. Living with the Druids, with his people he was able to learn many things than with all the other groups of people he had come across all gaining knowledge from what they did how they did it. Mordred was like a sponge, he absorbed everything he came across. It was almost like a natural gift he had received when he was born. Mordred could not stop himself from just about swallowing the bread whole, he was so hungry and the bread was wonderful to him.

While finishing off the last couple bites he swallowed hard and looked at her while she introduced herself. He sat there for a moment unsure of what to saw. Should he introduce himself or just remain silent. Mordred did a little internal battle on whether or not he should give the lady his name or not. Seeing as she was being kind to him and it was just a name not like a name could do much harm. "It is nice to meet you miss Caitrin, my name is Mordred" his big blue eyes looked at her as he introduced himself to her. Mordred new how to greet others while living with the peaceful Druids he did learn a lot of things from the elders and he used them on a daily bases, now being alone like he normally was it really depended on if he really wanted to use them or not, when he found a suitable person that he like and who was nice to him he often was very polite. "Thank you for the bread miss Caitrin." he let off a small smile at her as he dusted off his hands and whipped off the crumbs from his shirt.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin almost felt relieved when the boy did take the bread. To her, as well as making sure that he did have something to eat, it meant that he trusted her somewhat, and that was important to her. She wasn’t quite sure why, but the fact that he was at least engaging with her just felt important, like she had almost achieved something. Her curiosity was burning to find out why the boy was living in such conditions. His clothes suggested that he had no particular home of which to speak of, as they were torn and dirty. She wanted to help, but only if the boy wanted her to. After all, he had obviously ended up in this position for a reason, and he might not want her help. That wasn’t for her to decide, she could suggest and try to help him, but it was a two way process. His question brought her out of her thoughts, and now the hand which had been holding the bread was free, both her hands ran over her swollen belly. Caitrin nodded at the boy, “It will be my first child, yes. Which makes it a little scary I suppose.” She wasn’t so much scared, but nervous of the unknown. She hadn’t really had much experience with children as she had been the youngest in quite a large family. She knew she would be supported though when she began to bring up her children by her Uncle and her husband of course; they would both be by her side. Though her Uncle would be sneaking off at every opportunity for his wine, as the man did enjoy a good drink every evening.

A warm smile pursed Caitrin’s lips, as she considered the boys words. She supposed although she was scared, and nervous and anxious that she wasn’t ready to be a mother yet, she was excited. She already couldn’t wait to meet her child. She knew hers, and her husband’s baby was already so loved, and that would only continue and grow once the child was actually born. “I am.” She admitted, still with a smile on her face, “It’s exciting as well, as I will not know whether I am to have a son, or a daughter, until the moment I meet them.” That was another bit of excitement that the birth brought with it, the moment her midwife would turn around, and tell her exactly what she had been carrying within her for the past nine months. As long as the child was fit, and healthy, she knew she wouldn’t care what gender it was, she just wanted her baby to be safe.

As the boy continued to eat the bread, he answered her question about speaking with the mind. Caitrin wasn’t too put out with the boys lack of manners with eating the bread, after all, it was clear that he was basically starving. Right now was hardly the time to reprimand him on his manners. Moving back to speaking with the mind, Caitrin remained silent for a few moments, and considered it for a moment. Her nursemaid, and tutor, Helgund had often told her that sorcery was a gift, and that it was special in so many different ways. Perhaps this was another way, a way she had not realised she could exploit just yet. She tried to focus for a few moments, and closed her eyes. She began to tap into the part of her mind to which she received the boys words, it was hard to concentrate at first, but then something clicked, and she felt that. Biting her lip, to prove that her lips weren’t moving, she tried to use her mind to say something to the boy. She managed a small, “Hello.” Before she broke it off, and opened her eyes once more, almost in astonishment that it had been that easy. It would probably take some practice to use it in such ease as Mordred did, but for now she was satisfied. “How was that?” She asked, now using her mouth to speak to the boy, rather than her mind.

Caitrin smiled as the boy finished off the bread. She had been hoping that he would be so quick to introduce himself, as it broke down the walls of formality between them. She smiled as he used the title of ‘miss’ before her name, it was quite a sweet gesture really, as she didn’t expect him to address her formally at all. “It’s nice to meet you too Mordred.” And Mordred was not without manners either, as he thanked her for the bread. It seemed that despite his current state, this was quite a civilised boy in some respects. “You are very welcome, and as long as you enjoyed the bread that is all the thanks I need.” She didn’t need to be thanked for giving him the bread, she just wanted to know that he had enjoyed it, and it had at least given him some sustenance. She pressed her lips together, not really knowing where to go from this point onwards, as she didn’t want to let Mordred just go out wandering by himself. It wasn’t safe for a boy to be wandering about the forest at night, especially one with sorcery. Though they were some way out of the heart of Camelot, and actually closer to Mercia, the ban on sorcery was still dominant across the land. In the distance, Caitrin could hear the sharp sound of thunder, though no rain had appeared just yet. She ignored that for the moment, and just smiled back at the boy, she would deal with that problem when it came to it. “I am just sorry I do not have more to give you.”

[cat]

Caitrin had mentioned that this would be her first child and Mordred smiled at her. It was a small smile but it was still there "Well I think you will be a good mother to your child. You are already very motherly, at least I think you are." Mordred said to her still with his mind. He didn't know his mother but he was guessing she was very motherly seeing as she gave up her bread for him and smiled so brightly when ever her child was brought up in a conversation. The child was very lucky to have Caitrin as a mother. Mordred tucked his knees up to his chest and watched her, his bright eyes full of curiosity. Mordred still wondered about all this pregnancy stuff. There was still so much to learn luckily he was still young and had many years to learn all that he could. Everything he came across, was something he could learn and the knowledge excited him greatly.

He looked at her as she spoke of the excitement she had for a baby that she carried, she told him how she didn't know what it was but she was still so excited for it "Must be interesting to carry a child within you for so long..." He was still not sure how it came out but he was also a little unsure if he really wanted to know it seemed to be a girl thing and well he was not girl. Mordred put a hand on his face slightly under his chin as he held his head up making himself a little more comfortable while he talked with her. It was nice to talk with someone who wasn't trying to kill him or sell him for monies, he was finally with someone gentle and nice. He enjoyed it a lot.

While Mordred made himself comfortable against the tree he noticed her concentrating really hard, she even bit her lip a little and he smiled than out of no where she spoke to him, a small little word but a huge accomplishment and he clapped for her as she spoke the simple word of 'Hello' "Miss Caitrin that was wonderful for a first time!" Mordred was very proud of her it normally took some people a good length to try and get it right of course others had it come naturally like himself but all the more he was happy for her. Mordred liked to see those with magic using and learning new things, it was nice considering before Arthur became king Uther would kill anyone who pretty much spoke the word sorcerer, but now things were a little better though Mordred found it hard to believe but that was because every home he ever knew seemed to get destroyed by Arthur so he couldn't really trust him. Pushing those thoughts away from his mind he continued to congratulate her on her accomplishment.

"It is ok, the bread was wonderful." Mordred was very grateful to her for the food even if she thought it was a small amount it was plenty to get him by for another couple days. Mordred heard the thunder and he jumped a little, it was not much and he hoped she would not have noticed it. He wasn't too scared of thunder but it was just so loud and Mordred did not like it one bit. "Are you from around here miss Caitrin?" He was a little curious seeing as there was a storm closing in and it would be important to get inside before it started to rain, he would not want her and her baby to get sick not this far into the child holding process. Mordred was not sure what it was called but he was sure that it would not be good for her to get sick.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin smiled as the boy told her he thought she would make a good mother. Though he had only known her a short period of time, she still appreciated it. After all, she was acting quite protectively about the little boy. Of course she knew nothing of his circumstances, but something stirred within her, and told her that a boy shouldn’t be in such a condition out here on her own. Perhaps it was a motherly instinct kicking in which drove her concern for the boy; Caitrin wasn’t quite sure. Though she knew that she should be treating a young sorcerer with more concern than she actually was, he was just a child, and what could a child do? At the same age, Caitrin was only capable of lighting fires and moving items whenever she willed them to. She wasn’t a particularly strong sorceress, but she didn’t mind that so much. Her magic had never defined her, her personality and status had defined her instead. “Thank you, I hope I can be a good mother.” Having no experience with children, it would almost be like treading blind, but she was ready for the challenge. Right now her curiosity was burning to find out what she was going to have, whether it would be a boy or a girl. Concerns about an heir weren’t a problem, because neither her, nor her husband were in line to inherit anything too substantial.

Caitrin wondered whether Mordred had seen a pregnant woman before, as he seemed quite curious about her condition. Of course she didn’t want to get into the details of childbearing with him, because he looked a bit too young for an education of those sorts. That would be left until he was a bit more mature, and wiser. Plus, it wasn’t really her place to think of telling him such things either, she could just gloss over those details for now. “It is a little strange, though I only realised I was carrying a child at all last month.” She smiled at the boy, as although Caitrin had suspected she had been pregnant for quite a lot longer than that, she had only had it confirmed a month ago. Since then her belly had swollen to a rather unnatural size, “And I still have so much more time to go.” She still had around four months until her child was born, and for Caitrin the time couldn’t go by quick enough.

Overall, Caitrin was quite impressed she had been able to access her innate ability to speak with minds with such ease. She hadn’t expected it to be so easy, but she had been able to and that was the main thing. Perhaps she had been able to do it in the past, with her tutor, but she had merely forgotten her ability. It was easily done after all. Trying again, she looked directly at the boy and managed a small, “Thank you.” Spoken with her mind. It was still quite difficult to concentrate, but she was sure with practise it would become easier.

Caitrin couldn’t ignore the fact the storm was closing in on them, she pulled her cloak around her shoulders, and bit her lip. She couldn’t leave Mordred out here in the rain by himself, she would do nothing but worry about his wellbeing after all. She just wanted to see him safe, or at least provide him some protection for a short while. “I live a short walk from here with my husband and Uncle, though I am not originally from Camelot.” She smiled gently at him, none of her family were from Camelot either. She and her Uncle were from Mercia, and her husband, Griff, was from Glouchedon. So her child would be the only one in the house who was from Camelot. “Do you have anywhere to stay to wait out the storm?” Caitrin asked Mordred softly, she didn’t want to insist that he came with her straight away, she just wanted to suggest it gently as she was still of the mind that she could scare him off.

[cat]

Mordred liked her smile, she seemed so friendly, it was a little weird for him to be interacting with her but he wasn't really feeling like himself, he was cold and tired and well hungry despite the bread she gave him his stomach still grumbled, he had some nuts in his pockets that he found in the little tree hole while trying to get comfy. The nuts he would save for later for a snack of some sorts. Mordred stood up and dusted off his dirty pants stretching a little he looked around a little. Mordred wasn't really sure what to say or do, this whole thing was all new to him and he wasn't sure how to react to her, he didn't normally get along with a lot of people or he was with the wrong people, the only time he was in a good place was when he was with the Druids but a lot of them were all killed off due to Arthur and his men than he found home with some bandits? He wasn't really sure but the leader guy was extremely nice to him for the time being. Mordred shrugged a little and looked at her with slight curiosity.

He was very pleased with with her efforts at talking with her mind. In no time she would know everything about it and be able to do it with ease, just like him! Mordred wondered how someone so nice like herself was interacting with someone like him, Mordred had done many things he was not proud of and he was only ten years old. Mordred had killed many men, mostly to protect himself but still they died by his mind. Most sorcerers only knew a few spells and what not but Mordred he knew how to throw people a far distance without a single spell, all he had to do was scream with both voice and mind. Mordred's magic was deadly if he used it right of course he didn't know how to do much of anything else because he was the one teaching himself. All his masters normally died at hands of Arthur. Looking at the ground he tried to take away those memories, the memories of all the blood shed and him barely escaping with his life. It was hard to think about the man who once risked everything to bring him back to his people than the next thing he knows he is back killing them. It was a hard thing to process than there was the whole thing about him and magic beginning to become ok, but was it really? He didn't know. Shaking it off he looked at her, his expression was not happy but it was not sad it was just blank really.

Caitrin told him that she didn't live too far away and that made him think to why she wasn't heading home with a storm just about to knock on her back door, and by the looks of it, it might last a while which was always so much fun. This woman before him slightly confused him. She than asked him a question and by the way she had been treating him she would probably not like his answer. She had asked if he had a place to wait out the storm and Mordred thought about it a little, he really didn't have time to kind a secure cave and he didn't have money for an Inn so he was kind of stuck in a small situation. He looked around and gave her a 'Well Ummmm.' Sort of look. "Well The tree hole is a warm place and would stay out of the rain... I don't have much time to find a cave that would be safe." Mordred was rather honest with her despite the fact that she would probably not like the answer he just gave her but it was the brutal honest truth. He really didn't have place to go and he couldn't very well lie to her not after all the kindness she had shown him it would be rude on his part. So he told her the truth and hopefully she wouldn't freak out because he was a child on his own with no parents, nothing.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!

[Caitrin de Archer]

There were so many things that Caitrin wanted to ask Mordred, about how he had come to be in such a state. Perhaps if they had been having this conversation a year or two ago she probably would have blurted out her questions. She had never been a patient person, but she had learnt to be more patient. After all, it was a patient affair waiting for her child to be born. There was so much that she had to look forwards to with being a mother, Arthur had voiced such things to her. The birth was just the start, as after then she would be responsible for this little life, and perhaps more children would follow in their footsteps. After all, she did want a big family, she almost craved it. She and her husband had thought for months that she was unable to bear children, but now she had proved them wrong, and their family could start to grow.

Mordred was stood up, dusting himself up, but Caitrin was still sat up just watching him. It was quite comfortable sat down anyway as she had been walking for a while with her bump. Caitrin was already sure she couldn’t cope with the idea of one of her children ending up in the position Mordred was in, even though she wasn’t sure how he was in this position in the first place. She ran a hand over her belly again, and something shifted uncomfortably in her stomach as Mordred spoke of finding a cave to wait out the storm in. She shifted slightly, but still smiled kindly at the boy. In her head she was already forming some sort of plan, her husband and Uncle probably wouldn’t approve completely, but she was mistress of her own home, and as long as she took responsibility for the boy she couldn’t see them raising any objections. “Well, perhaps you could wait out the storm at my home? There is room enough for you, and it will be no problem I promise.” The estate was some way out of Camelot anyway, on the road to Mercia. As her family was mostly Mercian it had made sense for the family estate to be close to Mercia and Camelot, though it was still on Camelotian ground.

Though Caitrin was slightly apprehensive about offering such custom to a sorcerer, Arthur himself had proclaimed that Druid’s would no longer be persecuted. Though Caitrin was not naive enough to believe that further magical reform would come from that, it made her feel a bit safer about inviting the boy into her home. After all, no one would know about Mordred. They had very few house servants as it was as her Uncle was quite good at saving money where he could. Most worked the lands, and they would probably be in bed, or eating by the time they got home. Caitrin finally stood up, though it was a little awkward what with her condition. Eventually she managed it though, and she looked up through the trees at the gathering storm clouds. Looking back to Mordred, she extended her hand to him, wondering if he would take it. Caitrin was no threat to the boy, she just wanted to see him safe, and she wanted to help him in any way she could. “Shall we get going? Before the storm starts, that is if you want to of course.”

[cat]

He noticed the uncomfortable look that seemed to come from her eyes seeing as she was smiling making it seem all okay, Mordred knew better, it was rather obvious, what mother would be ok with a child being out in a storm maybe in a cave or tree hole but he just ignored it. Than out of no where for the first time Mordred became shocked, it was obvious to his eyes widened a little bit and his lips parted oh so slightly, he was not really sure what to do now. Caitrin had just offered him to come home with her... No one ever did that sure he staid with Morgana but he was on the run and he was hurt and for some reason they had an unbreakable bond right off the start but with Caitrin a mother in waiting it was just a little different. The look of shock staid on his face for a few moments than after he realized it he pulled himself back together still not really sure what to say.

He watched as the woman stood up and offered him her hand to take so they could walk to her house but he just wasn't sure every time he went and staid with someone something bad happened. Arthur normally raided the camp after a certain amount of days so it made Mordred a little nervous she was so kind and he wouldn't know how to react if something bad happened to her. But the storm looked so dark and it was coming forth quickly he was not sure what to do. He looked at her and than at her hand and back at her face, she looked sincere about it but was it the right choice to make. He didn't know looking over at the little tree hole and cringed a little. It was warm sure but it was so small so with a small huff he grabbed her hand and waited for her to lead the way. Mordred did not say a word instead he stood there silently his hand in hers. He took a deep breath and waited to follow her to her home.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin knew that she shouldn’t let her emotions into things like this most of the time. She didn’t even know how her family would react to her bringing a Druid boy back home with her. Her Uncle wasn’t that fond of magic, but he had grown more tolerant over the years, though he still didn’t know that she possessed sorcery of course; that was still a secret. She just kept her smile towards Mordred plastered onto her lips. She didn’t want to scare the boy, she just wanted him to feel as if he could trust her, as she meant him no harm. Caitrin was quite impressed that her motherly instincts had kicked in this early in her pregnancy, but she already knew that she would do anything to protect a child of her body, so why should she not help to protect this young boy as well? She could see him safe for as long as he remained with her, of course with Camelot in the state it was in regards to magic, it was not practical to think he would be able to stay with her forever, but she could help him, or at least try to, in building a new life, where he wouldn’t have to live in caves by himself.

Her hand was still extended towards him, and she didn’t move, or falter as he slipped his much smaller hand in hers. She wasn’t a very tall woman, so Mordred stood quite tall beside her. She squeezed his hand softly, it was quite cold and she could tell that right away, but she ignored it for the time being. Instead she looked back to him, and using her mind, she whispered to him, “Shall we go?” The storm would hopefully not hit before they got back to her estate, and then it would not matter how much it rained as they would be indoors in the warmth. The evening would soon be upon them, and though Mordred had told her he had been napping in the tree, she supposed he would not be long out of bed. They began to walk through the forest together, hand in hand, and to anyone else it might even appear that Mordred was one of her own. She was certainly developing a fondness for the boy; it was hard not to. Her spare hand was cupping the bottom of her belly, supporting it gently as she walked. It wasn’t uncomfortable for her to walk such distances, but she knew she would be happy when they reached the estate as she would be able to set herself down, and relax.

[cat]

Mordred nodded when she had asked him if he was ready to go. He was slightly nervous, he never came home with anyone and the last time he was inside a nice place was the castle when he was on the run other than that he had his nicer tents and living areas with the Druids and some other people he preferred not to name but that was besides the point he was now on his way to this ladies house where her family was and now he was going to be there intruding, it made his heart beat a little faster. He let out a small silent huff as he followed close to her not really sure how the towns people would react to him coming there. Mordred didn't care what people thought he was just mostly worried that something bad would happen to miss Caitrin, she had been so kind to him he would not wish anything bad on her but he held tight and followed closely beside her.

Thunder came rolling across the sky with it's loud noises and Mordred squeezed her hand a little harder, he hated the noise thunder let out he did not mind the lightening it was just light but the thunder was too much. Too loud. Mordred sucked it up and held on to the hand of Caitrin as she lead him away from his tree hole. Looking around as he went on. Mordred hadn't spent much time in towns like or anything like that he spent his days in the wilds with the Druids or by himself now that he had lost everyone.

He looked up at the sky than to Caitrin who was only a few feet taller than himself. "How many people do you live with?" Mordred was only asking because where he came from he lived with tons of people sure there were not a lot like in Camelot but to him there were many and they were all family in a way, or when he lived with bandits there were still many people that he lived with so he was just curious maybe she lived with a lot of people to. He will find out eventually as soon as they got to her home, hopefully the people there were as nice as he as well. Mordred was still young and something about his powers he could not control but only when he face a threat did his magic protect him. But that was something he would not have to worry about because he had Caitrin there.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!

[Caitrin de Archer]

As Mordred had nodded to indicate he was ready to leave, Caitrin smiled down at him, and led them onwards in the general direction of her home. She could remember her way back with ease, as she had walked this route many times before, though this was the first time she had brought a child home with her before. Some might call her actions reckless, and without thought, but in her opinion what thought was needed? There had been a child who had been on his own in the middle of the forest, very obviously abandoned, and she wanted to help him. There was no need for thinking in such a situation, or so Caitrin thought. As the boy had magic, it made things more delicate, but as long as the house servants remained ignorant of the fact then they would all be fine. The boy really had nothing to fear from her family, as Griff wouldn’t give him up to the law, and neither would her Uncle if she explained the situation correctly.

A small motherly smile crept across her lips as Mordred squeezed her hand at the sound of the thunder. For a moment, she wanted to stop, and just take his shoulders and tell him that he was going to be alright now, and that there was nothing to be afraid of. But of course Caitrin couldn’t promise Mordred that, as she didn’t know how long she would be able to care for him, or how long he would want her to care for him. Instead, she just squeezed his hand back, and speaking with her mind, she whispered to him, “It’s ok to be scared.” Thunder was a scary thing for small children, and Caitrin appreciated that. She just wanted Mordred to know that she didn’t think any less of him. Instead, she just carried on walking, one hand again running over her belly. Her herb basket was wedged in the elbow of the arm that was on her belly as well. It wasn’t uncomfortable though, it just felt right. She could feel the child stirring within her, and it left her breathless for a moment, though she tried not to show it. She was still getting used to carrying another life round with her, and sometimes it was just uncomfortable; this was one of those times.

Mordred’s question drew her attention once more, and it was easily answered of course, she just lived with her Uncle and husband, but of course there were the servants too. “I live with my Uncle Rouland, and my husband, Griff.” She explained softly, “We have those who work my Uncle’s lands as well, but they don’t actually live with us.” No, they had their own homes, as was right. They were already making good progress through the forest, and Caitrin hoped they wouldn’t be too long as there was another sharp sound of thunder which drew her attention. “We aren’t far away now.” She assured Mordred gently, but ran a hand over her belly again, as if to tell the child within her the same thing.

[cat]

"I am not afraid, it's... it's just loud too loud..." Mordred denied that he was afraid because fear was a weakness at least that is what he was once told and being a kid sometimes you tend to believe those you trust no matter what it is. If they say that person is bad well you believe they are bad it just all depends on who it is and how much you truly trust them. He looked down at the ground as he walked. The kid was tired and he couldn't help but look over his shoulder to see if there was someone chasing him but to his relief there was no one behind them which let him breath easily knowing he was safe... At least for now. Looking back forward to see where he was going his hand still firmly locked into Caitrin's.

She had explained to him her living situation and he was a little curious, they had workers how interesting "Where I use to live everyone worked together to gather food and clean clothes. We did not have anyone to do it for us." It didn't really have any meaning it was just kind of a random fact about where he was from and what they did. It was sort of like a clue to where he was from though if she knew he was a Druid than it was rather obvious where he came from though not many people found their camps. It was always a peaceful place to be and they were always ready to help but because they were of magic origin than there was always a problem because they were seen as scary and evil. Those people who are not to be trusted though the accusations were all wrong but now no one would know because Arthur and his men took out plenty of them and the rest fled for their lives.

As the thunder his closer and closer it soon started to rain. sometimes it started out slow but not today instead it came down overtime like someone was throwing buckets of water over them as they walked. The path began to get a little muddy. Mordred quickly pulled up his hood with on hand though the water would soon soak it. He just kept his head down and continued on his way, hopefully the house he was going to would be warm because the rain was cold and his clothes where holy so he was getting a little cold rather quickly. It was always interesting how the weather worked. Mordred couldn't help but wonder how long this storm was going to last this time.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!
Note: Sorry this post kind of sucks, still not feeling very good, hopefully my next post will be better

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin didn’t say anything when Mordred denied that he was scared. It didn’t matter to Caitrin if the boy was scared or not. If he wasn’t, there was no issue, but she was already providing him with as much protection as she could if the boy was scared. Therefore there was no point in pushing the topic forwards was there? Instead, she squeezed his hand again. It was alright to be scared of such things, especially as he was so young. She couldn’t say anything of course to make him admit if he was scared, but she could try and comfort him if he was scared. “We’re not far away from my home now anyway.” They were a short walk away, so they weren’t far away from shelter. After all, the thunder would be quieter when they were in the house.

It didn’t surprise Caitrin that Mordred didn’t come from any particular noble background, it sounded like a druid community, or one that Caitrin had imagined. She hadn’t had any experience of Druid’s, and she was just assuming that that was how their community was. Caitrin knew she was quite privileged to have people working for her, but it had been the world that she had been brought up to expect. It was second nature for her now, and she didn’t really think much of the house servants in all truth. She had been brought up a noblewoman, and she would remain so until the day she died. “Where did you used to live?” She asked kindly, waiting to see whether he was actually a druid, or perhaps he belonged to some other magical community.

All at once, the heavens opened, and the storm which was being threatened by the thunder suddenly ripped through the forest. With her spare hand she pulled up her hood, even though it was to little effect as the material was soon soaked right through. Luckily, they were near the end of the forest anyway. Caitrin looked up, and could see the opening to the de Archer estate. Jesu, thank God they had arrived so quickly. She pulled Mordred along with her, opening the door to the home and ushering him inside. There was no one that Caitrin could see immediately, and she pulled off her cloak and set it on a hook on the inside of the manor, closing the door behind them both. “Are you alright?” She asked Mordred quickly, as she began to wring out her hair, and then shifted so she ran her hands over her belly protectively. “If you want you can hang your cloak up by mine, then we can find somewhere warmer to sit for a while and dry out?” She suggested, she had no idea if her Uncle or husband were home, but the fire in the solar would be lit, as it always was.

Notes: Your post was amazing! It's mine thats meh XD