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Post by isadora on Aug 23, 2010 1:10:06 GMT -5
It had been a good trade, she was sure of it; even if the camp couldn't make immediate use of the tools, they could eventually. Even if she had no idea how to use any of the tools or what to do on a farm, she knew what people needed to survive, it was her business to know what her people needed and ensure that they had the means to get it. Meaning trade. But Alistair wouldn't even acknowledge that she'd helped, only insisting she was a fool for speaking up. Well she certainly wasn't going to be quiet now.
"In that case, next time I'll let them kill you. It would make my life easier." She gave him a plaintive look that said that she knew he was lying; if only because if he honestly believed that he was even less intelligent than she'd originally thought. She rolled her eyes. "Do you think I've never dealt with a belligerent man looking to take what they wanted before? I negotiate with warlords and kings, Alistair. I know what I'm doing, I do it everyday, on a much larger scale than this with far higher stakes. Or did you think I just sit around looking pretty all day?" She wouldn't put it past him.
She was all up on her nobleness now, she was tired of being treated like an invalid because she couldn't do things that peasants did. Did he realize that she couldn't do these things because she did other things? Things that were just as important, like trading and making sure her country wasn't about to be invaded? "I don't expect you to thank me, Alistair, but don't you dare lecture me. I'm not stupid, regardless of what you might think of me." She lowered her voice, glaring up at him with her chin held high. Maybe she should be afraid of him, but she wasn't, and right now she was mad. What right did he have to criticize her? He'd almost gotten them killed. [/size] ((Okay, so I'm thinking that she should run off and need rescuing tonight. I already have a way for her to distract Alistair so she can get away.))
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Post by isadora on Aug 22, 2010 0:10:51 GMT -5
Once the trade was finished and the men were disappearing into the trees, Isadora allowed herself to breath a sigh of relief, glad that they'd managed to survive the encounter. Was this how all people lived? In constant fear that someone with an axe would come out of the trees and murder everyone they loved and take everything they possessed? It made her wonder why anyone would live outside the safety of the cities, where soldiers prevented those kind of men from taking advantage of the weak. It was something she was supposed to prevent; she'd have to try and find ways to make life safer for those living in the countryside.
She was just considering ways to make her people safer when Alistair seized her arm unexpectedly, wincing. There were already dark marks in the shape of his hand on her upper arm from when he'd grabbed and dragged her earlier, what were a few more? "You did nothing of the sort." She replied, glaring up at him. "You told me not to tell them who I was, and not to endanger these people. If I recall correctly, I was the one who kept that little encounter from turning into a bloodbath."
She folded her arms over her chest and looked up at him defiantly. If he had told her not to speak...well, she probably would have, anyways. If he wanted to die, that was fine by her, but she wasn't about to let him take her and the children with him. "Or I'm sorry, did I interrupt some cunning plan of yours? Preferably one that didn't involve them murdering you and raping me? Because that's really the situation I was trying to avoid." She was angry, yeah, because he was mad at her for saving their lives! What, she was supposed to sit there looking pretty while they were cut down? Because surely, if she wasn't supposed to speak, she wasn't supposed to run away when the mayhem began, either. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 21, 2010 18:56:52 GMT -5
Isadora inclined her head at Arthur's invitation to sit with him, and she took a seat at the table that was adjacent to his place at the head of the table. "Thank you," it was true that she didn't want to waste any time, but she didn't particularly want to have this conversation, either. Camelot and Gwent had been allies for so long, they had relied on one another, and she hated to think that they were just throwing that back in their faces. But the truth of the matter was that Camelot was stretched too thin, and a decision had to be made. She hated being the one to present the ultimatum, but she didn't know who else could.
She looked up at the maid, smiling as she offered to get her something. It still seemed strange that she was here, alone with the prince, but again Isadora ignored the tickle of intuition, preferring to deal with the situation at hand. "Thank you, Gwen, but no, I'm quite all right." She answered, in no mood for food right now. She turned her attention back to Prince Arthur, taking a deep breath before she started on the reason for her visit. "We aren't winning this war, Arthur." She said frankly, he knew it as well as she did, or he should know it if he didn't. She was stating the obvious, but what they couldn't say in public. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 21, 2010 17:56:52 GMT -5
Oh wow! That was really good! You're right about the timing, I love how they managed to get the words and scenes to fit perfectly with the storyline. Poor Lance! [/size][/color]
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Post by isadora on Aug 21, 2010 11:52:39 GMT -5
Isadora smiled and nodded graciously as he offered tools or leather, but her smile faded as they mentioned silence as payment. So now they were openly threatening them? That changed things. She let Alistair respond, but his argument was weak; it was obvious they were hiding something. She showed no fear as she answered, what did she have to fear from knights? "I'm sure the soldiers will thank you, after they've come all this way to find nothing. It might be a thanks you'd wish to avoid." Great rewards were granted for providing information on magical practitioners, and while there was no formal reprimand for those who provided misinformation, she knew her knights never liked wild goose chases, and she knew those who sent them on them often had the price taken out on their hides.
These men had no real evidence of magic, and while the soldiers would likely find it if they searched the camp, Rourke's suspicions were just that, suspicions. He wouldn't risk his health on it. She looked directly at the man who drew his sword, then back at Rourke, unsmiling as she answered him. "Now, if you're quite finished trying to intimidate me, I'm as eager to get this trade over with as you are." She was through playing nice; Isadora did so hate being threatened, especially by such a boorish and irritating man as this Rourke.
Without wasting any more time, she listed off what would be an acceptable price, not even bothering to slightly inflate the value of her own goods as she usually would, so they could haggle over a good price. She doubted Rourke would even be able to understand the concept; he was too quick to jump to conclusions and pull a sword for her to risk it. She just wanted to get rid of them before something happened everyone would regret; probably her most of all. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 19, 2010 12:41:10 GMT -5
It was true that Isadora wasn't used to dealing with such open hostilities; usually the people she negotiated with were smart enough to keep their blades hidden behind huge smiles, but out here she also didn't have a legion of knights to protect her if things went wrong. Posturing was part of the game here, intimidating the other to get what you wanted. Were she actually just a poor farmer's wife, it would probably work, but Isadora didn't scare easy. She negotiated with warlords, it would take a little more than a few bandits to get her frightened.
She knew she was emasculating Alistair, but she didn't see any way around it; someone had to be in charge, and by refusing to trade, he had taken the option of being that someone away. She didn't want it to come to a fight, so playing his bossy wife was the only other way. It wasn't an uncommon thing for a woman to trade, men always underestimated them so they tended to get better deals at market than if their husbands went.
By the time she got back outside, things were as tense as ever; it seemed Alistair couldn't play nice even under orders. She was glad the children were out of harm's way, at least if they decided this deal wasn't worth the trouble they had a chance to run while the men fought. Didn't Alistair realize it was so much harder to deal with men who were on edge than those that had relaxed? Bloody men. She didn't give any outward sign that she realized the tension in the air as she made her way back to Alistair's side, kneeling down so she could spread out a linen cloth on the ground, she poured the grain onto it so they could see how much she was willing to offer. She looked up at Rourke expectantly, now that he knew what they would give, he could decide what he thought was a fair exchange. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 19, 2010 0:03:59 GMT -5
Isadora had no illusions about how they got their 'easy to acquire' tools, but she wasn't in a position to take the high road, so she merely inclined her head in understanding. She still wasn't sure exactly how much they'd be able to spare, even with the information Mae had given her, she'd still need to see what their stores were like before she could decide how much to give these men. Hopefully enough for a few days or a week would be enough to satisfy them, they were already close enough to Camelot that they really didn't need to be trading at a settlement like this, which led her to believe they were avoiding the city. The next small settlement shouldn't be more than a few days' walk away, so hopefully a meager offering would be all they would need.
She raised her eyebrows warily as the man stepped closer, but before she could say anything, Alistair was reacting, pulling her away protectively, unwilling to give the strangers so much as an inch. She was glad, even if it did risk provoking the other men, who watched him warily; but she thought this could work to their advantage. Her soldiers often said the hardest fights were with those men who had something to protect, even if it was just a simple peasant farmer. If they had nothing to lose, they fought more ferociously, more willing to give their life fighting than those who had only their life to protect. If these men felt the same way as her soldiers, they might be less willing to attack.
"I'll just need a moment to sort out what we can spare, then we can decide what's a fair trade." She told Rourke, still smiling reassuringly, before she leaned into Alistair and kissed him on the cheek, using the opportunity to whisper to him, "play nice. I'll be right back." Then she pulled away from him, turning her back on him and the other men to head for the house. "Mae, come with me." She called to the little girl, trying to sound inconspicuous, and handing the baby off to the teenage girl when she ran up beside her.
Once inside the house, it didn't take long for Mae to show her where they stored the grain, and after some quick mental math, she was able to work out how much the druids would need. She was used to dealing with much greater amounts than this, feeding cities rather than settlements, but the basic principles were the same. She rationed out enough for six men, eating lightly for a few days time, longer if they were stringent with their rations. There was still enough left to feed the druids, and enough for a few more trades if there was anything they needed. With her sack in hand, she went back outside, motioning for Mae to take her brother back to the fireside, where the other man could look after them if things went bad. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 18, 2010 22:45:05 GMT -5
Alistair didn't say anything, but a quick glance in his eyes and she knew he wasn't happy with her. She just hoped he managed to keep his displeasure to himself until after they'd finished trading and sent these men on their way. She was more concerned with coming up with something that would satisfy both parties here than with Alistair's discontent right now anyway, as her eyes flickered over the well-armed men and whatever they might be willing to trade. Herb pouches could be of interest, she assumed the druids would collect their own herbs, but some plants were hard to come by, even she knew.
Other things, more basic things, were probably better. "We can always use more tools, if you've any to spare; thread, cloth, or leather could be handy, too. If you've none of that, herbs are always useful." She gave a short list, letting the men decide what they had or could spare. Her tone was cordial and warm, but she kept things quick and to the point, trying not to draw out the negotiation. Mae had told her they were grain farmers here, so they would need to get thread and cloth from elsewhere, it stood to reason, and while they could make their own leather, Isadora knew it was a difficult and highly unpleasant process, so sparing the druids that could be worth a little food. Everyone always needed tools, and since she hadn't seen a forge in this village, she assumed they'd need to trade for them. She didn't know what specifically they needed right now, but logically she could get them something they would need in the near future, if not immediately.
She felt Alistair's hand on her and didn't shy away; she was well aware that the simple gesture was a means of claiming her, but frankly, she preferred to be claimed by Alistair than to let these men think that she was up for trade, too. She didn't think Alistair and the other lone man would be a match for these wanderers if it came down to a fight, regardless if the other man could use magic; Alistair had already admitted that he couldn't. If magic were strong enough to defeat six well-armed men, she doubted the kings would have had half as much success ridding the land of it, even if there were still pockets that remained. She kept on smiling, trying to get everyone to relax; Alistair wasn't really helping her there, but she hoped the men would assume he was merely an overprotective husband and let it go. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 17, 2010 2:03:45 GMT -5
Isadora turned towards the men who entered the village, but stayed seated as Alistair stood up to greet them, examining the newcomers with curiosity. She noticed a few of them returning her curious looks, even staring a little. It must have been a while since they had run into a woman, much less one as beautiful as a princess, even one dressed in men's clothing. She turned her attention to the baby in her arms instead, while listening intently to the exchange between Alistair and their leader.
She could hear the tension in the other man's voice as Alistair coolly turned him down, and even without looking up, she could tell that things were about to get ugly unless Alistair managed to turn things around...but he seemed clueless as to how to manage that. Leaning over, she spoke hurriedly with Mae, before she stood up, balancing the toddler on her hip and approaching from behind Alistair, putting a hand on his elbow softly. "Let's not be hasty, dear," Her vice was soft but she knew they were close enough to the leader that he'd be able to hear; she didn't want him to think they were keeping anything from him.
"I'm sure we can work something out," she raised her voice a little, she wanted all the men to hear her, so they wouldn't get anxious and act without thinking. She smiled disarmingly at Rourke, hoping that dealing with a woman might put him more at ease than dealing with Alistair. She just needed all the men to relax so she could figure out how to make them all happy. "Perhaps there's something else you'd be willing to trade...?" She might have to take the trade in furs, but if possible, she wanted to find something that would benefit the druids. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 16, 2010 22:50:13 GMT -5
Isadora looked up when Mae approached, her eyes widening in alarm, wondering if something had happened. She didn't fight or protest as Alistair hauled her back to the camp, instead just trying to keep up with his pace as they hurried back. She felt like she should be disappointed when Mae said they weren't knights, someone come to rescue her from this, but she was more relieved; if knights found her here, they would hurt or even kill Mae and the other children, and no matter how much she didn't like their father or how angry she was at Alistair, she couldn't wish that on children. They hadn't done anything wrong. She wouldn't admit it, but she didn't want to see Alistair get hurt, either.
She looked at him as he threatened her, but found it difficult to actually be afraid. She wasn't about to tell complete strangers she was a princess, then they would probably just kidnap her and this whole thing would start over again; at least she wasn't afraid of Alistair anymore, despite his threats, she didn't think he'd hurt her. Otherwise, wouldn't he threaten to kill her, instead of threatening to keep her?
After being sat down, she was surprised when Alistair thrust a small boy into her arms, but she didn't argue, just held him close. Sensing the anxiety around the camp, the boy looked like he was about to cry, so Isadora smiled and shushed him gently, swaying him gently back and forth until he settled down. Isadora had learned how to remain calm in crisis, because nothing made the situation worse than looking up to your superior and realizing they were just as freaked out as you were. She wondered where their mother was, and if she had met the same fate as Alistair's. She hoped not.
After Alistair reassured Mae, Isadora realized his gruff practicality wasn't helping the children much, and she leaned forward to rest a hand on the little girl's shoulder. "Don't worry, it'll be all right," it was a blind promise and she didn't know if she'd be able to keep it, the kind she was used to making when things looked bad. She just needed the children to believe it for a little while, even if it wasn't true, believing it was better than being afraid.
She caught Alistair's shirt when he tossed it at her, and looking down, she realized what he was worried about. Even with his shirt on, the vibrant skirt would be a dead giveaway. Acting without really thinking, she put Mae's little brother into her arms and stood up, untying the thick laces that held her overdress in place, letting it fall and stepping out of it, leaving her in a cream colored underdress, far too revealing for modesty's sake, but when she pulled on Alistair's shirt, it would do. She kicked the bright blue dress behind the bucket and sat down again, taking Mae's brother back into her arms. Her underdress was still too fine for a peasant woman, but it was less noticeable than the bright blue silk, and with Alistair's rough shirt, she doubted anyone would notice. No sooner was she bouncing the toddler on her knee than she heard numerous footfalls, turning towards the opening of the clearing, showing only a mild curiosity on her face. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 16, 2010 0:28:42 GMT -5
She frowned when he picked up the bucket and dumped it out, wondering if he was doing it just to create more work for her; as if he wasn't making her do enough. She was glad when he seemed to have a reason, at least he didn't feel the need to simply torment her. Filling the bucket halfway, she sloshed the water around a few times, repeating the process until both the thin film around the inside had dissolved, and there weren't anymore soap suds in the bucket. Then she filled the bucket up a final time, wondering if Alistair would find another reason to stop her.
Getting to her feet, she hefted the bucket up with both hands, feeling certain that it was heavier than last time, even as she knew it wasn't. She started on her way back to the camp without sparing a glance at Alistair, if she couldn't get him off her mind, she could at least refuse to look at him. She knew she wasn't moving fast enough to keep him happy, but it wasn't like she was purposely trying to slow them down.
She wouldn't deny that it was hard work, and she wasn't sure she could do this kind of work everyday. She supposed that if she did it long enough she might be able to get used to it, but she didn't want to have to find out anytime soon. No, this wasn't a life she could see herself enjoying, even if she was able to manage it. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 15, 2010 22:56:39 GMT -5
Isadora rolled her eyes when Alistair made a show of kicking over the bucket, someone was overcompensating. She raised her eyebrows at that thought; she'd been so mad at him that she hadn't been thinking straight, but his actions were different than before, she noticed now, and not in the way she'd thought. Yes, he was being brasher, more cruel, but it seemed more like an act than his behavior from before had. So maybe she had an effect on him, after all. Far from making her more sympathetic to his plight, it gave her an idea.
She didn't argue, or say anything at all to him, instead just picked up the bucket and started the long walk to the river. It probably wasn't actually as long as she made it out to be in her mind, but she wasn't usually required to walk this far for any reason, let alone to collect water. She didn't like having to take orders from him, but she was still working out the best way to make her plan a reality, so she wasn't going to push her luck until she had everything worked out. She wanted more than ever to get away from him.
The walk to the river took just as long as before, but it felt longer this time, the tension between them somehow more torturous than it had been back at camp, or maybe that was just her. When they reached the river, she bent down over it to fill the bucket, then drank from the river itself, splashing water on her face to wash it and wishing for a bath. She sighed before standing up, her eyes falling on the worn strip of blue fabric wrapped around the handle of the bucket with a pang. Why did he have to be the bad guy? [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 15, 2010 22:05:38 GMT -5
So now she wasn't even allowed to talk to Mae anymore. She sighed to herself, what did she care if she had to be alone? But she did care. Isadora wasn't used to spending time on her own, and after spending all day yesterday in silence, she had been enjoying Mae's company, young though the girl might be. She wanted someone to talk to, and since she was too mortified to even consider speaking to Alistair, the little girl had been her only other chance. But it seemed that since Alistair had what he wanted, he didn't need the little girl any longer.
When she finally finished washing all the clothes, she sat back and stretched her arms over her head, rolling her neck from side to side in a vain attempt to work some of the soreness out. She covered a yawn with the back of her hand, rubbing her tired shoulders, well aware that Alistair had more work for her to do. She had admitted to being useless earlier, and she had meant it, but only in regard to these menial tasks, these chores that he acted like were all important. She was sure they were important, but he had no idea how she spent her days, that if she took a day off it wouldn't just mean more work the next day, it could mean war, or the collapse of the economy, or a trade embargo that left her people starving.
She looked towards the rest of the camp, only the children and Alistair were still here, but he hadn't bothered her much since she'd hit him. It was a childish impulse and she almost regretted it; almost, but not quite. It hadn't helped her feel any better, but at least now he was in some pain, and that was something. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 15, 2010 21:26:24 GMT -5
She glared up at him as he stood over her, hating herself for letting him get to her. She wanted to hate him, too, but why was it always so much easier to be angry at yourself for things you should know better than to do than at other people? He hurt her, and not just with carelessness, being rougher than he should, he had toyed with her emotions, maybe thinking it would make her easier to control. That was hardly right. Didn't he know that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned? And Isadora certainly felt scorned right about now.
She either didn't notice or didn't care that everyone else was staring at them now, and it took a force of will not to just kick the stupid laundry bucket over, and storm off, let him chase her again if he wanted to. But that wouldn't work, she knew that it wouldn't work, and then he'd just be on guard again. Throwing a temper tantrum wouldn't help her any, she forced herself to realize, mechanically turning back towards the stupid bucket of soapy water, she had to wait until she had a better idea of how to get away, and she was already getting an idea.
So she picked up the clothes she and Mae hadn't washed yet, ignoring everything else as her mind went to work elsewhere and her hands scrubbed dirty clothing mechanically. She didn't even bother to look up when a shadow fell over her, assuming it was Alistair and not wishing to acknowledge his existence right now. Even if it wasn't him, what was the worst that could happen? Some strange nomad could kill her? She'd be very surprised if she didn't welcome death right about now. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 15, 2010 20:53:42 GMT -5
His words stung, but she had been expecting a reaction such as that, and she couldn't say he was wrong. She was a princess and he was a lowly druid; it didn't matter how things could be different if they weren't who they were, such things couldn't be changed just because you wished it were so. She knew it all so well, and yet here she was, longing for him to abandon his harsh tones and just say her name, something she doubted would ever happen now. She didn't understand how he could change his feelings so quickly; had it all been a lie, some game he was playing with her to make her behave herself better? Maybe he was hoping that he would break her spirit.
She rolled her eyes when he pointed out the obvious; of course there could never be anything between them, despite the enduring ache in her chest at the thought. She didn't even bother to dignify that with a response, she wasn't so stupid to think that she could just bring some random druid back to Caerleon with her and have her father welcome him with open arms. Even if he did, it wouldn't matter. Her responsibility was to her people, both the lord and ladies and the peasants, and she doubted either of those groups would be pleased if she married a druid. They might even rebel; no one wanted to be ruled by someone they considered beneath them.
Nothing could have prepared her for what he said next, and she just stared at him with wide eyes for a long moment. So that was what he really thought of her. She felt fury bubbling up inside her, tempered only by the icy pain that seemed to grip her heart at his words. Dallying? She didn't think, instead raising her arm to slap him across the face with as much force as she could muster. The last time she'd tried to hit him, it hadn't really worked out that well for her, but she wasn't thinking about that, wasn't really thinking about anything. She just wanted to hurt him like he'd hurt her, and hoped he didn't notice the tears welling up in her eyes. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 15, 2010 20:03:49 GMT -5
Isadora watched his face as he spoke to Mae, then turned to watch the child as she ran obediently back to her brothers. She had to arrest the urge to call her back, tell her not to go...ask her not to leave her alone with him. She couldn't help but wonder if he was telling the truth about why Mae should leave, or if he really just wanted the child to leave them alone for a moment. She couldn't admit that just now, she was afraid to be alone with him, not just because of what he might do, but of what she might do. But once Mae reached her brothers, safely out of earshot, she slowly turned back to look at him.
She didn't know what to expect; her emotions were all over the place, her noble upbringing fighting with the irrational attraction she had to the man who had kidnapped her. Why couldn't she have fallen in love with a knight, like a good princess?! Or hell, it even would've been better to be like Lady Vivian and fall for Prince Arthur, for all the good that would do. For all she knew, Alistair was about to laugh in her face, or slap her around, and still somewhere in the back of her mind, she hoped he was going to kiss her again, then felt completely ridiculous for thinking it.
When he called her 'princess' again, she didn't like it, even though he said it sweetly. It reminded her of how she was supposed to behave, of what he was supposed to be to her, and she hated it. "Please don't call me that," she murmured, knowing he'd probably ignore her anyways, her voice soft but slightly coarse from the lack of use. Was it wrong that she wanted him to see her as a woman, instead of a title? Yes, she knew that already. It was very, very wrong, and yet she couldn't help but resent it anyways. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 15, 2010 19:21:32 GMT -5
Isadora was used to being in control. Not just of herself, but of those around her, even her surroundings. With a word she could make others do almost anything within reason, and with that power over others, she had disciplined herself not to abuse it. She was used to having complete grace and poise at all times, and she didn't take orders from anyone else. Since he had taken her, Alistair had taken her control away from her, and until now, she had resented him for it. But right now, she couldn't fathom why on earth that would possibly bother her.
She let him move her without protest, her hand moving from his face to his neck, holding onto him to steady herself, because left to her own devices, she was sure she'd just fall over. She forgot that she should be offended or that she shouldn't enjoy kissing a commoner, she even forgot that she needed to breathe as long as he was kissing her. It was a good thing that he pulled back, her eyes drifting open, and it was a moment before her mind got to thinking about anything besides wondering why he wasn't kissing her anymore. Then the shock on his face registered, along with the sound of Mae's laughter, and she drew in a quick, surprised breath as the realization of what had just happened sunk in.
She looked away abruptly as she felt a blush coloring her cheeks, what on earth was she doing?! She was a noble, a princess, even, royalty and here she was, kissing some druid? But she didn't think of Alistair as just another druid. Her chest heaved with quick, deep breaths as she tried to slow her heart rate, how could he make her lose all her sense so easily? She'd hardly known him two days, most of those spent in silence, and yet she was acting like some brazen harlot? And then, unbidden, she wondered what he must think of her. Her hand, still resting on his neck, was withdrawn so quickly she might've been burned, and hesitantly, she looked back up at him, uncertainty on her face. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 15, 2010 17:52:10 GMT -5
She would have liked to have been able to claim that her actions were exactly what the paranoid side of him would suspect, that all of this was some game or ruse in order to gain her freedom; but the truth was it wasn't. Isadora was more than willing to lie, trick and cheat if it would return her home, but to play with a man's emotions like that, to manipulate him like he were just a toy was beyond Isadora. Maybe she'd be better at negotiating if she were willing to twist a man's heart around her finger to control him, but the thought of degrading herself like that made her cringe.
So she couldn't pretend, even to herself, that she was trying to trick him now, and what had started out simply as a matter of pride had become something else. She was oblivious to Mae now, twisting her body around at the waist to better face him, putting one hand still damp from the wash palm down on the ground to steady herself. She was closer to him now than she could recall being to any other man, able to feel the heat of his breath when he growled an almost uninterpretable statement, her eyes widening for only a second before they fluttered closed when he kissed her.
It wasn't like the last time he'd kissed her, his lips weren't crushing hers, it wasn't meant to be cruel or controlling, he wasn't trying to punish her. Despite the roughness of his lips and his hands, there was a softness there, a gentleness that he obviously didn't show often. She ignored her own better judgment as it yelled at her to shove him off, her pride as it ordered her not to give in. She didn't know if it was the stress or she was honestly going insane, but she liked the way it felt as he kissed her. Tentatively, she raised a hand to his face, just barely brushing her fingertips over his cheekbone, slowly moving them over the contour of his cheek gently, letting his stubble scratch the palm of her hand. Everything abut him was rough and hardened, where she was all smooth and soft, perfect complementary opposites. [/size] ((Glad you like it...I thought it kind of made her look like a high class call-girl, but hey! xD It's pretty, anyways. Thanks again. ^^))
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Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
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Post by isadora on Aug 13, 2010 18:54:23 GMT -5
Isadora didn't look at Mae as the child pleaded to be allowed to visit, as determined as Alistair was not to break eye contact first. Even if staring in his eyes was a little more familiar than she might've liked...she was too stubborn to give him that. She let him explain why Mae couldn't visit her, why they were too different for there to be anything between them; wait, when had he said that? It was true, nonetheless, but why would that thought occur to her? Maybe gazing deeply into his eyes like this really was a terrible idea, but there was something more than a simple competitive urge holding her gaze in place now.
Her breath hitched in her throat when he touched her face, and it was her reaction more than his action that startled her as he moved closer and she didn't try to pull away. When he spoke to her like that, with that deep, masculine voice, why did it make her head go fuzzy, her chest buzz with warmth? Ridiculous, she hadn't reacted to a man like this since she was Mae's age! And she still couldn't bring herself to tear herself away.
"Maybe...there is no way to get what you want." Her words were true but she didn't like to speak them, found them contradictory to her body's reaction to him, didn't like the way they tasted as they passed her lips. They contrasted with the warm, inviting tone of her voice/ [/size]
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Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
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Post by isadora on Aug 13, 2010 17:21:29 GMT -5
Two more days of this...it wasn't ideal, but she could live with it; but only if she had to. She still planned on running away if she could, she didn't think he wanted to hurt her, but did he really think letting her go once he got whatever it was he wanted was a good idea? She might not know exactly where they were, but she remembered enough to describe it well enough that the knights would be able to find this place easily when she returned home. Either way, she didn't like the idea of being at his mercy, whatever he thought.
Isadora kept her features carefully nonchalant at Maes question as she thought of a response; she couldn't tell her where she was from, obviously, and it wouldn't be a good idea for the girl to come to Caerleon in any event; if she were simply a peasant it would be different, but she was a druid. To visit Caerleon was a death sentence for her. "I would like that, but I don't think it's a good idea, Mae." Unless things changed. Unless things could be different, and druids didn't need to fear Gwent any longer.
She stared at her hands as she worked, thinking about what Mae had asked, unaware of anything Alistair was doing. She was reasonably startled to hear his voice rumbling in her ear, his deep tones sending a shiver down her spine that she was unnerved to admit wasn't entirely unpleasant. To her credit, she managed not to flinch or jump away, instead turning her head towards him, bringing their faces scant inches apart. "True, but there are some things men want that they can't get simply by taking them." She whispered, not wanting Mae to overhear, her gaze meeting and holding his as he crouched behind her. [/size] ((Thanks! Yep, I do. I wanted something with some more color. xD))
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