::Caitrin:: Never Too Late

[cat]

Mordred kept his head down as the sky rained down on them. The rain was so heavy it ripped through the plants some of the lushes green leaves fell to the ground though when it his the clothes of skin of Mordred it did not hurt though it was cold and it made him numb to the bone but he did not make a face he kept his baring and made his way as fast as he could, as fast as Caitrin could go with her baby that sat in her stomach. Caitrin than asked where he was from, did she not know about the druids. He tilted his head up at her and with pure curiosity he asked her a simple question "Have you never heard of the Druids? Surly you have through Uther or the others that walk the paths in Camelot?" Mordred did not really know how to word what he was asking but hopefully she would understand and be able to answer his questions.

It did not take long at all for them to reach her house. Stepping inside Mordred stopped to look around he was amazed at the size, it was no castle but it was large compared to the many homes he has had, He couldn't help but look around his tired eyes looking from the floor to the walls even to the decorations that covered the walls and every where he looked. It was amazing, and he was not sure what to say about it. Than out of no where Caitrin spoke to him pulling him back to earth and he looked at her as she told him that he could hang his cloak up by her own so he let go of her hand and pulled up to take his wet cloak off. He took a step over to the rack and reached up standing on his tippy toes he hung the cloak up, than backed up a little still not really sure what to say about anything.

His clothes were wet and dirty he did not want to move around too much or sit on her lovely furnishings because he did not want to get them dirty. Looking at Caitrin he whipped his face a little but only smeared the dirt slightly. His big blue eyes searching her face for what to do, he was in someone elses home, someone who was being kind to him that was something that did not happen often and so Mordred wanted to be as kind and as courteous as possible, again something Mordred was not use to being on his own but he could very well try his hardest. He was young yes but he was smart and chose his next move carefully.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!
Note: Thank you haha. Yours was wonderful! If you do want others to join that is fine with me all up to you though haha

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin shivered slightly as they stood in the inside of her Uncle’s house. The storm had come out of nowhere and she was already soaked to the bone. She would have to change her dress of course quickly to stop a chill setting in. She would have to find Mordred a change of clothes. That was probably easier said than done. After all, no children lived in this house yet, and he was too small to get away with wearing her Uncle’s old clothes. She frowned, that would be something to worry about once they were both settled. She finally turned round to Mordred to answer his question, though she spoke through her mind now as she didn’t want any of the servants to hear them talking about druids. “I know little of the druids.” She admitted softly, she of course would love to know more about them, but it wasn’t safe to ask such things here in her home. Perhaps one day Mordred could tell her more, or even when she could make sure they were in private.

She set down her herb basket and began to try and wring out her hair. Jesu, she felt like she would never be dry! Right, well she wasn’t the priority right now, Mordred was, and she had to get him in front of the fire so he could start to warm up. Caitrin could tell the boy didn’t quite know what to do with himself, and luckily one of her maids was already upon them to give a quick distraction. “My Lady-“ She cut off as the young blonde woman caught sight of the young boy, her eyes were full of curiosity but it wasn’t her place to ask, “Sir Griff has gone to his brother’s for dinner, he says he will be back later. And your Uncle is in his study, he says he will be down for dinner.” Caitrin nodded at the maid and smiled,

“Thank you, could you have some blankets brought to the solar? Oh, and a warm drink.” The woman curtseyed and rushed off. Caitrin however turned around to Mordred and gestured for him to follow her. She wondered if he could speak with his mouth, as everyone here would think him a mute if he couldn’t, as she was the only one with magic. “No one will see any harm done to you here.” Caitrin reassured him through her mind, and began to lead him in the direction of the solar. No one was in the solar, as expected, but the fire was burning brightly. “If you want to wait here, I just need to change my dress.” Caitrin said softly, she couldn’t catch a chill for the sake of her unborn child. “I won’t be long.” She gestured for him to sit by the fire, as she made her way upstairs to change out of her soaked clothes and into a more comfortable dress.

[cat]

Mordred looked at the servant lady who talked with Caitrin, she made him slightly nervous for he did not care to be around so many people, only because he has had many bad experiences with groups of people but she seemed friendly as she spoke to miss Caitrin than did some form of a bow thing and walked away. He looked up at Caitrin to see what would happen next he also was not sure how to respond to her. She said she knew little about the Druids but seeing as she did not know a lot he would not know where to start. To him it was a place of paradise, the place was wonderful, open and free the people were kind and caring unlike a lot of the people he had some across but the peaceful nature of the Druids did not last long seeing as Arthur and his knights ransacked the place and had many fearing for their lives where as the others did not get so lucky. That was a hard time for him but he got over it and kept moving forward.

Caitrin lead the way to a room that Mordred would be waiting in. Upon entering the first thing he saw was a warm fire that looked so nice to curl up by and dry his clothes. Caitrin than spoke to him and told him to wait here while she went and changed. Not saying anything he nodded to her and watched her walk away. With him not speaking people around the house would probably see him has a mute but he did not want to talk at least not with his voice unless he had to.

After Caitrin left he walked over to the fire not wanting to sit on any furniture he curled himself up by the fire on the floor in a small area not wanting to dirty anything up. Mordred kept to himself and just watched the fire dance in it's place. Fire was beautiful it was graceful yet deadly it light the dark. It was mysterious yet open, it made Mordred really think on different things. He let off a small sigh as he wrapped his arms around his legs and rested his chin on his knees. It was a good way to stay warm and it also became comfortable after a while. If one were to look at it, it was also a position of defense so if attacked he would be able to spring open quickly but that was not the case in the home of miss Caitrin, here she said he was safe and he trusted her he wasn't sure why he did but he did so he sat there curled up and waited for her to return.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin didn’t like leaving Mordred on his own, even if she was only just going upstairs. She wasn’t quite sure what it was about the boy, but she had an urge to care for him. Perhaps it was just her motherly instincts kicking in a few months earlier than they should have been, but she was growing to care for the boy. He had made it impossible not to care after all. She wasn’t quite sure what to do though with him in the long run. Sure, she could offer him food and lodgings, but what was there past that? She couldn’t keep him here forever, she knew that. It wouldn’t be fair on any of them, especially with her having her child on the way. Brushing that worry from her mind for the time being, Caitrin bounced up the stairs to the room to change.

As usual, Griff had left the place in a state. Honestly, sometimes Caitrin wondered what she had seen him in. Well, it obviously wasn’t his cleaning ability; that she was certain of. She smirked inwardly, and grabbed a dress from her wardrobe and slipped out of her now soaked dress. Her skin was quite cold from the rain, so she grabbed a towel from her bedside table and began to run it over her skin to warm it, paying particular attention to warm up her bump as well. She laid back on the bed for a few moments, feeling the flesh of her bump against her raw finger tips. She couldn’t often just lie there, tenderly holding her bump. Most of the time she was rushing to get changed for this occasion or that occasion, but for now she could enjoy a few moments alone with her unborn child; flesh upon flesh. Usually she had to feel her bump through the fabrics of her dress, but this felt more natural. Sighing softly, she felt the child stir within her womb and her lips pursed into a soft smile. “You’re so loved.” She whispered into the air as her fingers ran across her swollen flesh. Her words were true, she and Griff already loved the child so much, and that love would continue to flourish and grow.

As much as she was enjoying this moment with her child, she knew it was unfair on Mordred to keep him waiting. Instead, she pushed herself off her bed and picked up one of her dresses and pulled it on quickly, then proceeding to pull on a hose to keep her legs warm. Giving her belly a soft run over with her fingers, she made her way back downstairs. As she did, the maid who was bringing the blankets to the room crossed her path. “I’ll take those.” Caitrin insisted to the girl who nodded and handed them over, “Could you see if you can find any clothes for our young friend? Someone must have some old clothes lying around.” The girl nodded in a friendly way,

“I shall see to it Lady Caitrin.” And she hurried away to find the clothes. Caitrin made her way to the solar, and shut the door behind her. She smiled down at Mordred, who had curled himself into a small ball. She sat down next to him, quite glad she could now rest her feet and put the blankets down beside her,

“If you’re cold you could wrap one of these round your shoulders?” Caitrin suggested softly, and handed the blanket out towards Mordred. She didn’t want to force it on him of course, but she wanted the suggestion there anyway. She picked up the other blanket and wrapped it around her own shoulders, and around her bump to show him what she meant, “At least we’re out of the rain now.” This time she spoke with her mind, she hoped she was not confusing the child too much with switching from one to the other, but she couldn’t help it.

[cat]

Mordred just listened as the maids rushed around doing their duties and what Caitrin had asked of one of them, it was amazing how it worked all she had to do was say something and they did it, no questions asked it was almost like home but everyone did something to help out and the elder they had was like the owner of the house but he cared for them and did what he could to help but that was than and this was now, now he was sitting in the house of a woman he had just met, a women who was kind to him and cared for him almost as a mother would their child it was nice seeing as Mordred did not know his mother and he barely remembered his father so the kindness she has showed him was wonderful. It was different seeing as Uther had the people see him and his kind as monsters, evil nothing but vermin yet she was one of them living in a beautiful house and no one seemed to care, that or they just didn't know. Either way it was everything to the young kid.

His mind quickly went blank as Caitrin entered the room, she did not have to say anything for him to know she was entering he could hear her, not saying that she was fat but living alone in the wild one had to learn to listen to everything that way he could always be alert and her foot steps made noise. He looked up at her as she came in and sat next to him. She suggested a blanket to him and he took it though he did not want to get it dirty but because she had suggested it and to him it meant that she wanted him to wear it so he draped it over his own shoulders and pulled it tightly around his little body. It was nice to be around someone who was loving and so nice. As she made herself comfortable he did to, leaning against her slightly, almost barely he did not want to disturb her so if she moved because he was leaning on her he would feel slightly bad but at least he would know and he would not do it again.

"That is true, it is nice to be out of the cold." Mordred admitted it, it was truly nice to be out of the everything that had to do with outside a house was nice to be in with a fire and blankets and best of all food! Mordred was a growing boy food was something that would be amazing, no little nuts he kept in his pocket but actual real food. Just the thought of it made his stomach growled but he shook the thought away "You have a really nice house miss Caitrin." Mordred smiled at her as he talked to her through his mind instead of his words. He found it fun and interesting how she talked to him parts would be with her mind and others with her words. She was practicing and it made him happy to see. The magical ability in someone was a gift and Mordred wanted to see it open and out there so anything Caitrin did that was related to magic made him smile mostly on the inside because he didn't want to give it away if the people of the house did not know. Mordred let off another very small sight of relief as the fire warmed his body, it was all so nice and rather new to him. A fun adventure really.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin’s heart still went out to Mordred. Even though he was safe now, and Caitrin would make it her personal business that he remained safe under her roof, she knew this could not last. However, that didn’t mean that she couldn’t make this time between them count. She could provide a safe haven for Mordred, and perhaps help him find somewhere more permanent to reside. She couldn’t imagine not having anyone to live with. Though Caitrin had often felt isolated from her family, she had never been alone, there had always been someone she could at least talk to. Here in Camelot especially, she knew she always had someone to turn to; it was her way to be quite sociable after all. In a way she almost craved company, so she could never be without it.

As Mordred pulled the covers around his shoulders, Caitrin mimicked him and grinned at the young boy. She could feel him lean up against her, so, hesitantly at first, she put an arm around him. It was an affectionate gesture, just to let him know that she was here to help him, and that she would make sure that no harm came to him to the best of her ability. It was quite a lovely little moment, just sat here with the young boy. She had not known him for long, but it felt that she had actually known him for years. The servant came back in with two warm drinks, and she handed one to Mordred. It wasn’t anything fancy, just some warm milk. She took her arm from around Mordred to grab her drink, but gave the boy a smile to let him know it wasn’t a personal slight to him. “Drink up, it’ll make you feel warmer.” Caitrin assured Mordred, and took a sip of her own drink as if to prove the point.

Caitrin smiled at her young guest as he complimented her home. “Well, technically it is my Uncle’s home, but thank you.” She beamed, “I love it here too.” She had loved this house since the moment she had set foot in it all those years ago. Nothing would ever change how she felt about the place itself, after all, her love for it had only grown as now she and her husband resided here as well. And of course, their child would be brought up here. God willing, they would have more children after this one. Caitrin had always wanted a large family after all. “Are you warm enough?” She asked kindly, taking another sip of her drink.

Notes: Sorry it has taken me so long to reply!!

[cat]

Leaning against her was comfortable and as soon as she put her arm around him Mordred at first froze in his spot not really sure what to think about this gesture. It felt nice but Mordred was not use to this kind of affection other than from Morgana and that was maybe a hug but never like this. Mordred smiled to himself a little, she was so nice it almost made him feel like he wanted to stay this way forever but he knew that was not possible. After the storm he would leave not wanting to put his new friend in danger nor her family so he would leave when the skies were clear and the rain would stop. Sadly he would miss her but it was for the best if he would leave when it was safe.

It did not take long for the maid to come back with warm drinks, it was warm milk and that excited Mordred like no other. IT had been so long since he had milk. With no hesitation he pulled the cup to his mouth and took a rather large gulp and though it burned his mouth slightly it tasted really good and he let off a sigh of relief as he moved his tongue around trying to cool it down a little. "Thank you" He said to Caitrin though his mind, he would have said it to the maid but he did not feel comfortable speaking out loud. He was just use to speaking with his mind because he was always around other magic users, it was just natural for him.

Caitrin spoke of the house and how it was her uncles and he nodded as he listened. It was still a nice place in Mordred's eyes whether it was hers or her uncles. It was better than any place he staid which was not saying much because he said out side in caves and well tree holes as she had found him. But luckily for Mordred he liked the outside and all the creatures and fresh air, everything was lovely out side and as a child he enjoyed to run around and mess around and he never got into trouble. Though he would love to have a home to call his own like he use to. Maybe one day when Druids weren't hunted and he could live peacefully among everyone else.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!
Note: It's all good, no worries

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was glad at least that Mordred felt settled within her embrace. She didn’t want to scare or frighten him by being too forwards too quickly. She just wanted him to feel safe and welcome within her home, and as long as that was achieved then her job was done. She wasn’t sure how long Mordred would want to stay for, Caitrin knew he couldn’t stay forever. She didn’t think he would want to either, though he was young it felt like he was already quite independent, and determined. She was sure he would be safe though, or at least she hoped so, and her door would always be open to him no matter what. Though she tried to rationalise the situation, and tried not to allow herself to become too emotionally attached to the young boy, she couldn’t help herself in a way. He was so young after all, it wasn’t fair that some of them faced such hardships in such a short life. Caitrin had seen troubled times in her life, but she had never been on her own, she had never been forced out of her home like Mordred clearly had, and for that she felt sorry for him. It was hard to look upon the young boy, and his state, and not be moved by him.

He thanked her, and though she was grateful, he didn’t have to thank her. It was common decency to help those who needed it. A philosophy which didn’t stop at those with magic for Caitrin, she believed in helping whoever needed it. It would be quite hypocritical of her of course to discriminate against those with magic, as she herself was a sorceress, albeit a rather weak one. “You’re welcome.” She said back through her mind. If anyone was watching the scene, it would look quite strange, as Mordred had not spoken a word yet through spoken word yet, it had all been through the mind. If any of the servants asked after him, she would just say he was a mute. It would be safer if the fact he had magic remained a secret, for his sake and Caitrin’s sake.

She finished off her milk, and set her cup down by the side of the fire with a sigh, and ran her fingers over her belly. She finally felt quite warm, and hope that feeling was extended to her young guest, “Do you feel better? My maid is looking for some fresh clothes for you as we speak.” She spoke using her mind again, because it was just starting to become easier. It would be quite strange not being able to use this talent once Mordred left her side. It would probably wind her husband up no end that she had a new innate ability though, and one she would exploit.

[cat]

Caitrin had asked him if he felt better and he did despite having wet clothes he was warm which made the rain soaked clothes he had warm as well because his body temperature went up just a little. Pulling the milk to his lips he finished it off slowly than set it beside Caitrin's ready to be taken away and cleaned for it's next use. Mordred wondered if anyone else would be here, she said she had lived with husband and uncle so would they be here for the dinner time or was it just Caitrin and himself for the night? Mordred shrugged a little to himself not really wanting to ask her because he was not sure he wanted the answer. Mordred didn't do good with a lot of people and when people were around him he was silent and only spoke through the mind whether or not someone was of magic origin or not he just felt more comfortable that way, thus making him seem like a mute.

Caitrin than told him that her maid was finding him some dry clothes. That was nice, his clothes were a little old, ripped, and dirty so to have new ones to wear would be rather pleasant, at least that is what he thought. "Thank you, will no one mind you giving me clothes?" Mordred thought about it a little, there seemed to be no young ones except the one ins her stomach so how would he get clothes would they cut some up for him or just try to find the smallest ones they could. He did not know but still grateful none the less and he would always be grateful towards her, not many people showed this kind of kindness and they rarely took someone into their home let alone a druid who was feared through out Camelot thanks to Uther so he was forever grateful that Caitrin had come along, without her he would be spending his time in a tree hole trying to stay warm and dry while the storm crashed upon the leaves and the ground. Mordred was happy.

Tag: Caitrin de Archer!
Note: None

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin looked up towards the solar door in wonder for a few moments, she wondered if her husband would come back from his brothers tonight. She certainly hoped so, she didn’t really like being alone at night. It was a fear she’d had for years now, and though she thought she would have got over it, she still jumped at the thought of it. It annoyed her in a way because she was so independent usually, but it was just at night she did need someone by her side. She wasn’t fond of the dark, and it showed. Dismissing her thoughts for now, as they were childish at best, she smiled down at her young guest as he finished off his drink.

“No one will mind.” She replied gently with her mind. The clothes would probably be too big, but at least they would be dry, and she could tailor them eventually to a better fit. Or at least she would try to. She wasn’t famed for being amazing with a needle and thread, but as she had been stitching baby clothes for the new arrival she had got a lot more practised, and she was now at least able to sew. “Though they might be a bit big.” She pointed out, not wanting to raise his expectations just for them to be dashed. The clothes might be a perfect fit, but Caitrin highly doubted it. The baby within her started to stir gently, and it knocked the wind out of her slightly for a few moments. She was only a few months pregnant, but she could still feel the babe. It was quite nice in a way though, as she could tell then that the baby within her was alive, and that they were strong. She couldn’t wait to finally meet them, Caitrin wasn’t a particularly patient woman, and it showed. “My husband may come back tonight,” Caitrin said, turning back to Mordred, “But he will not be able to speak with you in the way that I can.”