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Post by isadora on Aug 13, 2010 13:55:31 GMT -5
Isadora sighed in compliance, she wasn't trying to make Alistair mad, and besides, she enjoyed speaking to Mae, so she'd go along with what he wanted...for now. She didn't want to put the child who had become her only friend here in danger, and she assumed Alistair knew the dangers of this life better than she did, so she'd hold her silence. She wondered at how he could think she could she forget she wasn't home anymore? When her hands burned from the harsh soap, her body ached from the hard work, how did he think she felt at home here? She was just trying to make the best of being stuck here until he was done ransoming her off.
"Two more days?" She looked over at him, keeping her tone light, but she wanted to know if that was really how long he planned to keep her here, or if it was just another story for Mae. "Why should I change my mind? You don't even want to marry me." She added haughtily, turning back to her work and managing to somehow look indignant even as she scrubbed dirty clothes, in a way that only a princess could really pull off. Would her airs and graces tip Mae off? She doubted it, the girl had probably never met a princess before, even if she did find Isadora unusual.
"No, Mae, I can't stay. I have things to do back home," she didn't mention what those things were, that she missed her father and her people, that she had people she loved who she needed to take care of. That would probably be a bit much for Alistair to be able to handle, he'd probably think she was saying too much again. She smiled at the little girl. "But I'll miss you, when I go." She might even worry about her; was she safe? Did her family manage to avoid the knights? And she didn't like the idea that such a young girl was going to live out her days in terror. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 12, 2010 20:36:12 GMT -5
Isadora rolled her eyes as Alistair answered for her, and shrugged at Mae. "Maybe we fairies think certain druids keep too many secrets." She replied to Alistair while still looking at the little girl. Isadora had already underestimated Mae's ability to guess, and whether Alistair realized it or not, there were far too many clues as to Isadora's identity as it was. To a girl as curious as Mae, those clues would tantalize her, maybe even drive her to make up something far more fantastic than what they were telling her, or something dangerously close to the truth.
She laughed at Alistair's brief response to her insult, not in a malicious way, but in a merely amused way. "You still think we should get married, Mae?" She raised her eyebrows at the girl, at least this line of questioning shouldn't convince Alistair to break them apart; he might not like it, but it wouldn't put Mae in any danger.
She froze for a moment when Alistair spoke again, when he mentioned 'the princess going home', her eyes going wide, before she recovered herself and started working again, hoping Mae didn't notice her momentary lapse. Maybe she'd think he was still continuing the fairy princess charade? She was just glad it was his slip-up, and not hers. She didn't say anything, but continued working in silence, not sure what else she could say. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 12, 2010 18:00:42 GMT -5
The Kingdom of Gwent Ruling family: Theirin Current Monarch: King Alistair Theirin Heir to the throne: Princess Isadora Theirin Banner colors: Navy blue, black and gold Symbol: Fleur de Lis
Economic status: Strong Military strength: Weak Land mass: Small
Allies: Camelot, Graecia Enemies: None
Religious affiliation: Predominantly Christian
Gwent is a small, if wealthy, nation relying mostly on trade and commerce for their economy. A coastal nation bordered by rivers, Gwent is known for its imports and exports and its large and varied marketplace, filled with strange items and people alike. The people are accepting and the ruler is pacifistic, seeking out diplomatic solutions to their conflicts before resorting to warfare, but while their military is relatively small and unimposing the people of Gwent are spirited and unwilling to be cowed, providing staunch opposition to invading forces.
As an ally of Camelot, Gwent has always officially supported their ban on magic, however, as a nation of traders and merchants, the people have developed an attitude of tolerance towards strange occurrences in their midst. So while magic has always been outlawed in Gwent, there is no reward for turning in magic users and the people tend to look the other way when something is out of place. Even the rulers of Gwent have been known to show more mercy to those accused of using magic if there is not enough evidence to prove their crime, and to give more leniency to those found associating with magical fugitives if they themselves have not used magic.
This attitude changed, however, after the beloved Princess Isadora was kidnapped by the druid terrorist Alistair. The common people now look more unfavourably on druids and other magic practitioners, seeing now that they have something to fear.
Timeline (BM = Years before Season 1 of Merlin AM = Years after Season 1 of Merlin)
92 BM: Caradoc Theirin establishes the Kingdom of Gwent. 75 BM : King Caradoc marries Lady Moira Brandel. 74 BM : Crown Prince Alistair Theirin is born to King Caradoc and Queen Moira. 69 BM : Prince Maric Theirin is born to King Caradoc and Queen Moira. 45 BM : Crown Prince Alistair marries Lady Isobel Whitethorne. 41 BM : King Caradoc passes away. Crown Prince Alistair is crowned King, Princess Isobel is crowned his Queen. Prince Maric is named Knight Commander of Gwent. 40 BM : The Queen Mother Moira passes away. 37 BM : Knight Commander Maric marries Lady Anora Mac Tir. 35 BM : Lord Garrett arrives at the castle of Gwent and becomes Knight Commander Maric's squire. 23 BM : Knight Commander Maric passes away. Lord Garrett is knighted. Sir Ceorlic is named Knight Commander. Princess Anora takes her vows at the convent of Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrows. 21 BM : Princess Isadora Theirin is born to King Alistair and Queen Isobel. 20 BM : Camelot outlaws magic, Gwent participates in the Great Purge. 14 BM : Queen Isobel passes away. 11 BM: Knight Commander Ceorlic passes away. Sir Garrett is named Knight Commander. King Manga and Princess Polyxena of Graecia visit Gwent. 7 BM : Princess Isadora is sent to the convent Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrows to be taught by Sister Anora. 3 BM : Princess Isadora returns to the capital of Gwent. 2 BM : Anna arrives in the castle town of Gwent, her husband passes away, and she becomes the handmaiden of Princess Isadora. AM 1 : Philip de Calmot visits Gwent to sell wine. Princess Isadora visits Prince Arthur Pendragon in Camelot. Elyan passes through Gwent in his travels. AM 2 : King Alistair and Princess Isadora attend the Treaty of Five Kingdoms in Camelot. Princess Isadora is kidnapped by the Druid terrorist Alistair. Gwent holds a celebration in honor of King Alistair's seventy-fifth birthday. Princess Isadora spends time visiting the villages of Gwent. AM 3 : Gwent lends aid in the search for Lady Morgana. Princess Isadora visits Prince Arthur and Guinevère in Camelot. AM 4 : Princess Isadora attends a celebration in Camelot. AM 6 : Princess Isadora represents Gwent at Guinevère's coronation in Camelot.
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Post by isadora on Aug 11, 2010 23:35:41 GMT -5
Isadora shrugged noncommittally when Mae launched into her questions, laughing as she asked more than she was planning on answering. "Your father doesn't like me because my being here puts you and your family in danger, and because he thinks I'm dangerous." It was all true, but Isadora couldn't tell her why, couldn't explain that the longer she was missing, the further the soldiers would look. Even if Uther gave up, her father never would, even if he had to drag out the entire army of Gwent to search the backwoods of Camelot. So having her here was dangerous, even if it might not seem so.
Isadora smiled warmly as Mae tried to convince her to stay, it was nice that she made such an effort, but she knew how quickly it would end if the child knew who she really was. Before she answered, she heard someone approaching, and looked over to see Alistair coming closer, taking up his post from earlier. Apparently letting them speak alone was too much for him. Since he didn't say anything, she didn't either, and instead, looked back to Mae. "True, but then I'd be married to Alistair, and who wants that?" She teased, more for the druid's benefit than the little girl's. Was she trying to provoke him? Maybe. But he deserved it.
She shook her head laughingly at Mae's suggestions. "Honestly, you'd get sick of me! The novelty of your very own fairy princess will wear off in a few days time, I assure you, and then you'll get tired of constantly helping me do things you've known how to do your entire life. Just wait, you'll see, I'm entirely useless." She laughed, even if it probably was true. How long could Mae stand having a grown woman who didn't just need help washing clothes, but cooking and even cleaning? Isadora had never done any of those things in her life. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 11, 2010 22:40:37 GMT -5
Isadora had only arrived from Gwent earlier this afternoon, and while ordinarily she'd be more than willing to wait until morning to discuss things with Arthur, tonight it simply couldn't wait. With Camelot in the state it was, every moment counted, and what Isadora had to say really couldn't wait. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't even risk entering a war zone, simply because she was next to useless in a war; she couldn't fight and she knew little about strategy, she did much better at managing a kingdom at peace. Which was exactly what had brought her to Camelot.
Even with her limited knowledge of war, Isadora could see that they were losing, and her advisers agreed. Uther was putting too many critical resources into the hunt for his missing ward, his judgment impaired by either the stress of her loss or the war, or even both, and if things continued like this, they would lose the war. Isadora was not willing to let that happen, so she'd made the journey out here to talk some sense into him; and if he would not listen to reason, she would give him an ultimatum: either commit fully to the war, or lose Gwent's support.
She hated to even consider such a thing, but her men were dying when they shouldn't, and she knew with some certainty that if they pulled out of Camelot, their forces would be more than enough to keep their own borders safe. They were stretched too thin as it was, and her people were suffering for it. She didn't wish to break the strong alliance they had enjoyed for so many years, but if it came to choice between her people and Camelot, Isadora knew who she would choose.
But since she understood what a state Uther was in now, she thought it might be best to speak to Arthur first. Perhaps the two of them would be able to talk to Uther, make him see reason, and she would never need to make it known what she was considering. She prayed that it would work. She'd learned of the prince's location from one of the other servants, and she rapped on the door politely before she pushed open the door, in order to give the prince some warning. "Good evening, my lord. I apologize for intruding, but...I really think we ought to speak." She was, admittedly, a little surprised to see a serving girl present, the one she'd met a few months back, with the name she liked...Gwen. But she brushed that aside, instead focusing on exactly what she was here. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 11, 2010 22:35:34 GMT -5
Isadora laughed at the girl's reasoning, well, it did make sense. If she were a fairy princess, she doubted she'd be in this predicament...she would've just used magic to get rid of him, after all. Maybe magic wasn't so bad, if it could protect her from men like him, who felt they could just take whatever they wanted. "Hmm, you make a good point. Maybe Alistair tricked me? Once a fairy gives their word, they can't take it back, you know." That was how all the stories went; a brave man managed to trick the dreadful, mischievous fairies, and take their gold away; why wouldn't it work with their princess instead? Oh, now the allegory was getting a bit too real.
Isadora had often wondered what sort of man she would marry, or if she even would. There were too many men out there who saw her only as a title, and who would consider marrying her as only a stepping stone to a throne. If she married, she would be expected to be submissive to her husband, and her lands would become his; it was a lot of power to be gained through a marriage, and it had always made her wary. It was why she had been raised in a convent, away from power-hungry men.
She laughed again at Mae's answer, so full of childlike innocence and glee, it made her wonder why the child would want her to stay forever; maybe to have someone to help with her chores? That didn't seem likely, since Isadora got the feeling she was more of a hindrance than a help right now. "I don't think that would make your father very happy." Her laughter quieted when Mae spoke again, and Isadora looked up at her, then shook her head. "No, I'm not." It was pretty obvious that Isadora didn't fit in here, she should've known Mae would notice. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 11, 2010 21:41:31 GMT -5
Isadora raised her eyebrows when Mae explained why she was helping her, and was grateful to her. She hadn't known the little girl did so much work on her own. "I see..." Isadora knew she didn't move as quickly as those who were used to the work, but she hadn't thought there would be so much that she wouldn't be able to finish. And to think, Alistair spent his days sitting around, dreaming up schemes to capture beautiful princesses rather than helping out. How very like a man.
Isadora continued working, her eyes following the druid girl as she crossed the camp to speak to Alistair, mirth in her eyes but not obvious otherwise, managing to keep the amused smile from her face; until Alistair stood up in outrage, and she couldn't help but laugh as he started to glare at her. She wondered what Mae had said to him, when he started laughing, and then she was curious what he was saying to her in return. She didn't have long to wait, before Mae returned to speak with her again. She kept her features carefully schooled as Mae explained what had them laughing, only raising her eyebrows and smiling. "You don't believe him, I take it?"
It was dangerously close to the truth, yet so ridiculous that Isadora knew no sane person would believe it; but Mae still had that hopeful gleam to her eyes, that maybe she'd have enough optimism to believe the story. "What do you think? Should I marry him?" Now she was just having fun. Even if she didn't find the man who had kidnapped her to be deplorable, it wouldn't change the fact that he was not only a commoner, but a fugitive of questionable moral standing. And she was a princess, so the question of marriage was simply out of the question. But she was having fun teasing the child, nonetheless, so she let the charade continue. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 11, 2010 16:50:04 GMT -5
Isadora nodded to the girl's introduction, not sure what to make of the unfamiliar word, but sure that she shouldn't act as though she were confused. It must be some druid language, but what it meant, Isadora could only guess. Probably a greeting, from how the girl had said it, but she wasn't brave enough to test it out for sure. She listened as Mae explained how Alistair had saved her brothers, that must be what he had used against Rilan earlier to ensure his help. That confirmed her earlier notion, that Alistair's visions could be prevented...at least that was good to know.
"Yes...he told me about his dreams." So it wasn't just her that he didn't speak to very often, then; it was everyone. She wondered if it was ever lonely. She smiled at Mae gratefully as she automatically started helping her with the wash, wondering if Alistair would put a stop to their discussion now that Isadora wasn't working alone. "You don't have to do that, Mae." She told her, she didn't want the child to feel obligated to help since she was here. "I told you Id do your work today, I meant it."
She was startled enough that she dropped whatever she was working on when the girl asked her if she was going to marry Alistair, her jaw dropping and her eyes going wide. That was...unexpected, although as she tried to think of why she would think that, it became increasingly obvious why she would think that. Alistair didn't talk much, and suddenly he brought home a strange woman who he spent all his time watching, when he wasn't by her side? She helped with the camp chores even though she wasn't one of them, and, probably most telling of all, they had shared his tent. Mae wasn't young to miss the significance of a man and a woman alone in a small tent. As this occurred to her, she couldn't help but giggle, pressing a hand to her lips to fight back the giggles. "You should ask Alistair that." She said, smiling mirthfully at the thought of the little girl asking him if he was going to marry the captured princess. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 11, 2010 16:07:29 GMT -5
Isadora frowned, looking away from the little girl and down to the clothes she was working on when Mae mentioned that druids needed to stick together. What would she think if she knew who Isadora really was? Would her reaction be the same as her father's? She didn't really want to find out, and yet, she didn't want to lie to her either. She supposed that letting her assume her identity wasn't lying, but she still didn't like it. But she had to agree with what Alistair had said, that it wouldn't be a good idea if the kids knew she was a princess. So she didn't correct the child.
"Thank you, that's very kind of you." Looking up at her, she smiled at her, wiping her forehead on her sleeve absently. Wiping off her wet hands on her skirt, she offered a hand to Mae amicably. "My name is Isadora." She didn't know if anyone had told the girl her name, or if anyone besides Alistair even knew it. His plan hadn't been very well thought through as it was, he hadn't even known her name before he took her, how could she expect anyone else to?
She frowned when the girl seemed confused by her question, so Alistair hadn't been unkind to the girl. Maybe she was just afraid he'd rat her out to her father. She wasn't sure how to respond when Mae turned the question back at her, unlike her, Isadora had plenty of reason to fear the man. But did she? She didn't honestly believe he'd hurt her, or that he'd meant to hurt her up until now; he'd even gone to the trouble of fixing her wrist after he'd mangled it, she remembered, looking down at the smooth skin, now marred only by the braided grass bracelet circling her wrist. She glanced over her shoulder at him again, letting her gaze linger for a moment before she started working again. "No, of course not." She laughed quietly, as though the idea of her fearing him was ridiculous. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 10, 2010 23:20:39 GMT -5
Isadora couldn't help it; she giggled when Arthur berated her for finding his suffering funny, and pressed a delicate hand to her lips in an effort to stifle the sound. When she managed to quiet her laughter, she shrugged, sobering herself at the sight of his obvious distress. "Or something to that effect, I'm afraid I didn't feel the need to memorize all the poetry you were reciting to her. Although, a word of advice? Next time you're wooing a woman, leave the sonnets behind. They were rather terrible, I'm afraid." Teasing Arthur was just far too much fun to pull any punches, no matter how distraught he appeared to be. He deserved it, with his ridiculous actions!
"Perhaps that's a good thing? Honestly, if you get this worked up over every woman you develop a passing fancy for, you're going to wind up breaking a lot more than a few hearts." Especially if he treated many more noble women the way he was now treating Vivian; he might be a prince, but what was that saying? Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned? Yes, he might wish to keep that in mind. She frowned at his criticism of Lady Vivian. Isadora held no love for the woman, she was a pain in the neck, to be sure, but it seemed so...harsh of Arthur, particularly when he'd claimed such a deep affection for her so recently. She felt bad for the other princess.
Isadora raised her eyebrows at him. "You don't remember? What, did you hit your head? Or simply hitting the ale a little too hard." She asked with disapproval, she didn't see how he could forget, but then, he was a man. Who could rely on them to remember anything? "Well, I think the worst of it was when you climbed into her bedchambers through a window. Or maybe worse yet was when her father found the two of you locked in an intimate embrace shortly thereafter?" Isadora hadn't witnessed any of this firsthand --thank God-- but she had it on good authority that it was true. "...Is any of this ringing a bell, or shall I go on?" [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 10, 2010 22:15:02 GMT -5
It was yet another boring ride to Camelot; as much as she might enjoy her visits, the ride alone made the trips most unpalatable. If the focus of her trips were simply pleasure, she knew she wouldn't be able to bring herself to stomach the journey, but when affairs of the state beckoned, she found herself making the hated ride as many times as necessary. She yawned, stretching her neck as best as she could, only becoming more aware of the aches the saddle had given her. Oh yeah, being a princess was truly a glamorous business.
It was nearing sunset, and Isadora longed for the comfort a night's rest would bring, looking forward to getting out of this accursed saddle. Surely there was some better way to travel? She supposed she could use a carriage, but that would elongate the journey further, and the last thing she wanted was to spend more time away from her father than necessary. She knew that he'd rather make the journey himself, but if something were to happen to him, his health could be devastated. Isadora had no such worries.
Drawing up on the reigns when her escort, six knights of Gwent heavily armed and armored, slowed and readied their weapons. "Is something wrong?" She called, not overly concerned. They tended to get twitchy if a rabbit burst out of the underbrush too suddenly, so she expected this was another overreaction.
"Someone approaches, milady. Probably nothing," one of the knights answered her warily, but his tone made her wonder if he wasn't simply trying to ease her mind. Growing more anxious as the men didn't let up her guard, she waited for some signal from the men that everything was all right, despite the sudden sinking feeling in her stomach. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 10, 2010 1:15:03 GMT -5
Isadora smiled when the first words the girl said were to explain herself, even if she was going against her own words just by saying them "Is that so? Then why are you?" Isadora asked lightly, she wouldn't send the girl away, but she didn't doubt there would be consequences if she was found over here, instead of with the other children. Then again, maybe her father wouldn't even notice; he seemed to be avoiding looking anywhere near the princess, perhaps he thought that if he ignored her, she'd just go away? She'd love that to be true.
Isadora shrugged at her question. "Apparently Alistair thinks I need to build up some callouses." She answered, laughing bitterly, still working on scrubbing clothes while she spoke with the girl. She glanced over her shoulder at the druid, he didn't look happy that Mae was talking to her, but he didn't look as though he was about to break the pair of them apart, either. Good. Isadora needed some company that wasn't of the silent, surly variety.
"I notice you didn't come over here until he went away. Are you afraid of him?" She made her tone as innocent and light as she could manage, looking up at the girl. She looked to be about fourteen or so, at that awkward stage where everything started to change, on the verge of womanhood, yet still too young to even understand what any of that meant. Isadora didn't envy her that. She hoped that Mae might be willing to tell her something about her captor, even though she'd spent the last day and a half with him, she still didn't know much about him. Of course he scared her, she was a victim of kidnapping. She wondered if he frightened children, too. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 10, 2010 0:29:09 GMT -5
She didn't miss the disappointed tone in his voice as Alistair spoke, but she didn't know how to reply. Did he expect one single encounter to suddenly turn her entire perspective on life around in five minutes? It was true that she was reconsidering some things she had previously taken for granted, but some deep-seated beliefs would take more than five minutes to be overturned. She needed to think, and she couldn't do that with him hovering half a foot away from her all the time, and she figured giving her space was a little too much to wish for. She was surprised when she was wrong.
He went back over to their tent, and after getting over her initial shock, she returned to where she had been washing clothes earlier. She wasn't foolish enough to think she could get away right now, when he would doubtless be watching her like a hawk even from far away. Besides, she hadn't worked out a new escape plan yet. She had to behave herself until she came up with something feasible, lower his guard so she'd have a chance. Kneeling down next to the bucket of soapy water, she picked up the garment she'd thrown at Alistair earlier, and with a sigh, started scrubbing.
Having expected to spend at least a little time on her own, she was surprised when the crunch of footsteps announced someone approaching, and looking up, she saw none other than the girl, Mae, glancing warily at her father before she sat down next to the princess. Apparently, Alistair's absence bolstered her courage to approach the mysterious young woman who had so suddenly joined their camp. "Hello there," Isadora smiled at her, seeing no reason not to talk to her. [/size] ((So I figured Mae could help Alistair out...without even needing to be asked? xD I can change it if you don't like.))
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Post by isadora on Aug 9, 2010 1:37:58 GMT -5
She ignored Alistair's praise with little difficulty, only fighting with her baser instincts for a moment before swallowing her retort. That was what he wanted, after all, to bait her into some kind of response. Why he derived some perverse pleasure from irritating her, she didn't know, but she was all too happy to deny him the satisfaction. She was already somewhat impatient as the druid collected his supplies, and she found herself straining her abilities to remain calm, eyes darting about somewhat rapidly as she fought herself not to back away, or even run off.
Even as the thought occurred to her, she felt more than saw Alistair move closer, as though he could somehow tell that she was considering escape and wanted to remind her what a bad idea that was. As if she needed the reminder. She took a deep breath, not wanting him to see how close to panic she really was; the more he thought of her as the ice-cold, emotionless princess, the better. She managed not to flinch when the druid took her hand, even if his loathing for her was much more apparent than on Alistair, he was much gentler with her damaged wrist; he probably just didn't want to make worse that which he would have to fix.
Apprehensively, she watched as he chanted over her hand, remaining stock still as the pain, which had dulled to a constant throb, began to disappear altogether. She had to admit, even if only to herself...it was somewhat miraculous. But was that not exactly what the devil wanted people to think of his work? She still wasn't entirely convinced that it wasn't some kind of ploy, but at least she wasn't in pain anymore. Not from her wrist, at least. She was surprised by how the druid's words stung as he returned to the fire, not even giving her time to thank him, the venom apparent in his words. She hadn't thought words from such a man would even touch her, and yet...the sheer vehemence he held for her was enough to cut.
Her eyes were drawn to the healed flesh of her arm, no trace of redness or even a bruise remaining, just her own smooth, flawless skin, without any residual pain when she gingerly touched it. The painlessness was almost startling. When she looked up, her eyes widened as she found Alistair staring at her intently, her eyes locking with his. He looked so determined, expectant, and...a little bit hopeful? As though he expected her to immediately declare that the world was wrong, magic was good, and become a campaigner of his cause. It was too much, and she found herself looking away abruptly, knowing she couldn't meet the expectations in those eyes. She was confused, yes, the beliefs she'd held her entire life clashing with the reality she now faced. How could she respond to that? [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 7, 2010 12:43:38 GMT -5
Isadora was still reluctant as Alistair picked her up and placed her on her feet, still conflicted about the idea of even considering that magic wasn't a violation of every value she held dear. But there was no further argument as he led her over to another group of men, despite her uneasiness at meeting more of these people. It wasn't rational, that she was more comfortable with her lone captor than a group of people who didn't mean her harm, but she didn't know anything about them. At least she knew Alistair needed her alive to claim his ransom.
She inclined her head at Rilan's nod and Alistair's brief introduction, remaining silent. She still wasn't sure why they were speaking to the others, but she didn't question it. When Alistair gingerly lifted her wrist, she looked at him in startled alarm when he suggested the man should use magic to heal her. She'd agreed to being shown some magic, not having it used on her! She said nothing, however, as the man protested, hoping that would be the end of it. She didn't know what they could do to her if she agreed to let them work magic on her.
But Alistair argued, his tone becoming harsh, and despite her distress at having magic worked over her, she noticed what he said. His dreams; the prophecy dreams he'd told her of? So they could be prevented. She didn't know if that was important, but she filed it away anyways. And he couldn't work the spell himself; did he simply not know healing magic, or was he unable to use any magic, aside from his dreams? He hadn't used any other magic since she'd known him, which would have made it easier to keep her contained, she was sure. So maybe he really couldn't do magic.
She looked away when the other man glared at her, as though this were her fault. He probably did blame her, had probably decided she deserved whatever Alistair put her through, regardless of the fact that she was going out on a limb for these people, that she was even trying to listen. Why should she even bother? At Alistair's words, she raised her eyebrows at him. "I don't." She answered curtly. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 5, 2010 23:44:38 GMT -5
It was the most he'd spoken in the brief time she'd known him, and she had a feeling it was the most he'd spoken in...well, quite a while, at least. Why was he so eager to convince her? Was this part of his plan? If he convinced her that magic wasn't evil, it could change how magic practitioners were treated in her entire kingdom. But what if this was a trick? What if he used some mind-altering spell to make her believe him? But...if he could do such a thing, why would he ask her permission? Wouldn't he just cast his spell, then make her do whatever it was he wanted?
Even if he couldn't just make her do as she wished, how could she trust him? 'They', as he so eloquently called everyone who'd had a hand in raising or educating her, had always told her that evil was attractive, it was tempting, it was a lie. Magic was unbelievably powerful, they'd always told her, but that power came at a cost. She bit her lip, uncharacteristically indecisive. If he was telling the truth, then everything she'd ever believed was wrong, and she'd allowed innocent people to be hunted down and killed for no good reason.
She owed it to herself to at least listen to him, right? See what he had to say? Or rather, what he had to show her. It was how she would settle a dispute in her court; hear both sides, then come to a rational decision. She'd heard one side her whole life, it was part of her own core beliefs, she owed it to her people to hear the other side, to give it a fair hearing. Like she'd said, life was unfair, she had to try and make it even just a little bit fairer on behalf of the people of Gwent. "...All right. Make your case." She said, still somewhat uncertain, but she was at least willing to listen. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 5, 2010 22:46:46 GMT -5
She flinched back involuntarily when he touched her wrist, jerking her hand out of his reach. It hurt, especially when anyone touched it, even her. She'd been doing her best to ignore it. She was surprised when he actually deigned to use her name, it sounded strange coming from him; she wasn't used to being addressed by name. Usually, people called her 'Milady', or 'Princess', as he had done. Her own name sounded foreign to her ears.
She frowned when he asked if he could show her magic, looking him in the eye, she wanted to believe him, and then she wanted to kick herself for thinking that. She wanted to trust a man who had kidnapped her? She was laughing with a man who was holding her against her will? What was wrong with her? This wasn't some vacation, nor some educational trip into the woods to learn how the common folk lived; she was a prisoner here, as much as if she were chained in a dungeon. "And why should your word mean anything to me?"
She tried to make her voice indifferent, haughty, cold as she was usually so good at doing in the presence of kings and commoners alike; somewhere she failed, she could hear the faltering tones in her voice, she knew she sounded too much like she was pleading, not demanding like she wanted. Some Princess she was, she couldn't even sound haughty on command. It was probably because she didn't believe he would swear on his mother's grave so lightly, not after what he'd told her about how she'd died. But no matter what he said, magic was evil, and if she allowed him to use it, wouldn't that make her as bad as him? Wouldn't that damn her just as much? [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 5, 2010 21:48:33 GMT -5
When he finally relented, she wasted no time backing out of his reach, a small smile lingering on her face despite herself. Her heavy breathing calmed steadily as she sat back, watching him warily in case he was going to try something again...as if things weren't bad enough, now they were both soaked. "Should have done more research." She laughed wryly, she knew that his criteria for kidnapping her had merely been her friendship with Arthur; although if he'd studied her, would he have thought her violent?
She didn't usually fight with anyone so much as she did with him, but then, people usually didn't hold her against her will. "Then you could've picked a nice, sweet, docile princess, one who would never have dreamed of fighting back." She smiled at that thought. "If such a creature even exists." Isadora couldn't even imagine a woman who wouldn't try to fight against someone trying to hold them captive, regardless of how futile it might be. She figured the difference between herself and other women might be her unwillingness to surrender...maybe that was just the noble in her.
She eyed the grass bracelet warily, why was he giving her a present? Even one so meager seemed somewhat out of place. Watching his eyes for any sign of trickery, she reached out to take the peace offering, not realizing that the hand she reached out with was the hand he'd bound last night; the red welts had darkened into angry purple bruises circling her wrist, standing out starkly against the pale ivory of her flesh, doubtless matching the many other hidden aches she could feel; she was a princess, after all, she bruised easy. "Is this your way of apologizing?" [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 5, 2010 20:30:38 GMT -5
Her laughter quieted as he spoke, although her smile lingered, she might as well let herself enjoy the moment before he had a chance to get back at her. Maybe her brief moment of glory hadn't been worth the trouble she'd get now, but hell, she could regret it later. Her eyes turned wary, unsure how he would respond, but whatever she might have expected, she certainly hadn't thought he would tackle her.
Shrieking with surprise and laughter left over from her victory a moment ago, the wind was knocked out of her as the two of them hit the ground. Isadora squeezed her eyes shut, inhaling deeply as she felt cold water seeping through her dress, laughing despite herself and shoving at his hands. "Get...off...of me!" She breathed through laughs as she tried to fight her off, she wasn't laughing at the situation anymore, but whether he was doing it intentionally or not, his hands all over her was ticklish!
"This isn't funny!" She half-shrieked, still laughing as she tried to grab at his hands and pull them away from her, wiggling desperately to get free. Okay, so she really hadn't thought this would be his plan for revenge; if she'd known, she may have reconsidered her own evil plan. "Alistair!" She gasped, finally grabbing the not-so-wet piece of clothing and tossing it away, maybe that would make him stop. [/size]
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Post by isadora on Aug 5, 2010 18:48:57 GMT -5
She half expected him to gag her, but she found it only more irritating when he only grinned in response. Isadora wondered what he was enjoying more, watching her do the laundry like some commoner, or just pissing her off. And yet she was still sitting on the ground, scrubbing worn fabric with harsh soap, ignoring how it stung her hands and the scent burnt her nostrils, while he sat there, just watching her, as he always did. She looked up at him, and she could see the laughter dancing, unspoken, in his eyes, and her eyes narrowed.
"And stop grinning!" She sighed, yes, he had finally managed to get a rise out of her. It was aggravating enough trying to do all these chores, but then he had to be so...so...frustrating! Even Isadora, who could usually face a crisis with poise and dignity under all sorts of trying situations, was beginning to have her calm damaged. But the amused look didn't leave his eyes, and a wicked gleam came to hers as she got an idea. Without fully thinking it through, she balled up the dripping garment she had just finished scrubbing and tossed it at him.
Now it was her turn to laugh, but she didn't do so silently. She might get herself tied up for this, but was it worse to be bored or worked to death? She was used to boredom, and it rarely caused death. Well, he seemed to find her outbursts so amusing, so really, she was just trying to keep him entertained, right? She smiled with mirth, wondering what punishment he'd drudge up from the sick recesses of his mind for her now. [/size]
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