Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 12, 2010 20:50:51 GMT -5
Alex’ excitement didn’t seem to be faked as he encouraged her to sit beside him. Was she overreacting and imagining things? The kitchen lad seemed like a charmer to her, but not like that much of a player, right? That would require a cold blooded heart, to sit there and flirting with two girls at once, raising both their hopes and maybe turning them against each other in the end? No, he wasn’t like that, he couldn’t be or else Brynn would have made the biggest misjudgment in all her life.
So she sat down and tried to turn her smile genuine. If Alex was not going for her there was nothing she could do about it and there was no way she would ruin this day for either them or herself. Sitting so close to Alex brought back memories from the previous night and suddenly Brynn found it hard not to blush. How they had danced, how he had spun her around so her sore ankle didn’t need to touch the ground… she had felt so very safe in his arms… stop! STOP!
“As wasn’t I!” she replied to Alex statement and made a little show of adjusting to her seat so she wouldn’t have to look him in the eye. That was just too difficult to deal with right now… “But in the end I could convince them to let me go. But like in every fairytale, I have to return at the stroke of midnight!” she quipped and then leaned over towards Gwen.
“Oh, that is a difficult question, Gwen!” Brynn cocked her head in thinking and watched the still empty arena. “Hmm… well, you know I think we all know who will win, as Prince Arthur simply is the best fighter around. But I think I will cheer for Sir Kolby today… I owe him some. Long story!” she hastily added as she realised she had all but given away one of her secrets just like that. Or was it a secret after all? It was surely not the most proper thing to do to watch the knights fight hidden away in some secret passageway, but she was amongst friends here. Maybe they would understand?
All in all, Brynn was growing very excited once again. Leaning towards Gwen had resulted in her almost touching Alex’s chest and that simple fact had sent her head spinning. Add that to the usual excitement of a beginning show fight, the tension that was already in the air, and the result was an utterly giddy girl, just held back by the fear of making an utter fool of herself.
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 12, 2010 17:23:54 GMT -5
It was one of the things Brynn loved most about Alex, that he could chase away worries and fears with one simple sentence. Had the situation been a different one, she might have laughed at that, coming up with some semi-witty remark or the other. Being constantly so close to Alex had heightened her abilities of speech quite a bit. Of course she was still no match for his witty and flowery remarks, but every now and again she had already managed to surprise him and – in truth – herself by coming up with something sharp and fancy.
Not now though. It would take too long to think of anything, so she simply chuckled and raised her right hand to fondly cup his cheek, letting her eyes speak for herself. All she muttered was: “Don’t worry, most of the time I know what I am doing. As long as you know when to shut up…”
And that he did know. Brynn didn’t need wordly reassurance now how very safe her father could be considered, and how Camelot had always pulled through every attack, even that of the mighty dragon. Words couldn’t help her now, but deeds could. Alex simply being her, holding her but letting her cry was all she needed, but that she needed dearly, she realised. Had she been alone for any much longer, she might have gone insane. Alex loving presence was distracting her from the noises outside, she didn’t listen for any cry or shout anymore, she was in fact finally starting to calm down, placing her father’s fate into the hands of a benevolent entity. She could do nothing to help him, all she had left was hope. But hope was better than nothing and it always died last.
Alex move of catching her tears was such a sweet one that it made her tears flow even more, but now it were tears of sheer gratitude. However much he insisted on being a nuisance, she knew better, she knew it could only be a miracle he was always there for her, aiding her in her hour of need – loving her. In some cheesy stories Brynn had sometimes heard that love could carry you through everything and she had never believed it – until now.
“Thank you!” Her voice nearly broke as she was still crying, but she tried to put all sincerity in those two words she could possibly muster. “Your confidence is… is helping me more than you could know!” Again she leaned against him, squeezing his hand, inhaling the soft smell of newly baked bread he always carried on him, though now it was mixed with the smell of smoke and... something else she didn't want to dwell on. “He always returned to us, he will this time!” she told more herself than him. “Immortal foe or not, my father is not just wiped out like that!”
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 12, 2010 8:04:09 GMT -5
Brynn would have never thought such an amount of pain to be possible. She had grown up in relative peace not suffering from far more than occasional sprains or burned fingers, sudden upflaming of pain that died down after mere minutes. But this, this was different, and it just never. seemed. to. end! Wave after wave of pain seemed to flood through her body, spreading out from her shoulder in the rhythm of her heartbeat.
Some part of Brynn actually wished to give in to the darkness already looming around her, waiting to take hold of her mind. But then she felt another stabbing pain and it felt like the bolt was driven through her flesh all over again. She bit her lips so hard she tasted blood but a low groan escaped her lips nevertheless. What was Alex doing?
Through only half opened eyelids she observed him prodding against the wound, probably trying to stop the bleeding. She wanted to say something to reassure him, mutter some words of comfort as she could almost feel the desperation radiating from his very being – and desperation was such an off emotion when it came to her beloved Alex. He had always been the stronghold for her, and seeing him actually at his wits and scared Brynn senseless. Was it really that bad? It surely hurt like hell, but maybe she was just not used to this, she was no warrior like her father, she had been a peaceful goosemaiden in all her life. How times were changing…
Thoughts like this raced through Brynn’s mind like buzzing bees, stinging every now and again but ever hard to grasp. That she could think at all seemed like another miracle to her, through all that pain --“AHHH!” However much she tried to be brave, when suddenly Alex took her up in his arms the pain stabbed through her shoulder now like a broad fiery sword, however gentle he tried to be, the cry escaped through her lips and echoed through the courtyard.
Then things went dark around Brynn.
As she was pulled into consciousness again after mere seconds of blackout, her surroundings were still darker than in the bright courtyard, and the part of her brain that was not occupied with dealing with pain realised she must be on her way towards the kitchens. Oh, goodness gracious what would her mother say? And Gyrth and Elinor… they needn’t be around! They should never see their sister like this! Alex mumbled words were like a soothing blanket of comfort for her and as she didn’t trust to be strong enough to speak yet, she simple leaned her head against his chest and let his strong arms and words carry her through this painful experience.
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 9, 2010 19:56:45 GMT -5
Sometimes it still seemed like a miracle to Brynn how deeply Alex seemed to care for her – and she for him! The relief of seeing him safe by her side might be crowded out by the still very prominent worry about their future in general and her father’s in particular, but she could feel the echo of it being there as she leaned in as well, taking in Alex’ very presence, his scent and the feeling of his breath on her face. He was here, now she could start to believe a bit more that things would turn out fine in the end. If Alex could find a way past two raging armies and reach the castle almost unscathed, how much more would her father be able to do that with a sword to defend himself?
“How do I deserve you?” she muttered quietly and actually managed a small smile. “you’re my personal hero now, just so you know. Completely crazy, but still a hero!”
Brynn was very relieved to hear her notion being confirmed. So the sweet little Lita and Alex kind mother were as safe as anyone could be concerning the circumstances. One thing less to worry about, and seeing Alex so composed and relieved, made her happy as well. Though a tiny sting of jealousy remained. It was not his fault his family had nothing to do with defending Camelot and she was more than sure that either his stepfather or Alex himself wouldn’t hestitate a second to take up the fight themselves should the need arise. Alex had done so before after all. However proud Brynn was of her father most of the time, sometimes she wished he would be a carpenter or a smith or anything else that would keep him away from mortal danger.
“That’s… that’s great news!” she said, leaning her head on his shoulder, trying desperately to appear brave. However, Alex had been able to read in her from the start, he migh very well seen past that feeble act. “Mother and the little ones are fine as well, just on edge and ready to run and hide… wherever we could. Just…”
And there did it go her show of bravery. One tear started trail down her cheek and some others were quick to follow. It just was too much to bear right now. Relief and worry didn’t mix well, as didn’t trying to appear composed and the proximity of the man who had always been able to bring out her true self.
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 9, 2010 19:27:20 GMT -5
It didn’t really help Brynn’s mood that Prince Arthur was not far from having an actual point there. Staying here in the narrow passageway was actually the silliest and at the same time least useful thing she could probably been doing right now. And his tone was also telling her that the figurative ice between her feet was getting thinner. Not that he would have yelled or something, but Brynn had enough experience with such kind of things to know that some men became more quiet the angrier they were. Her own father was one of that sort. He had never raised his voice in an argument or in anger in all those years Brynn had known him. But you knew you were in trouble when his voice put on this calm yet distant tone…
“May I remind you this was my intention in the first place?” she replied with an also too composed tone to pass as genuine. “It’s not my fault these eerie knights came here to kill the king and send everyone into a stupor-like sleep. But, fine! I’ll go down there, this passageway is a shortcut to the kitchen anyway. So, goodbye!” Once again her words sounded different from what they said on the outside. The farewell wish resembled more something close to: ‘drop dead!’ and that might not be her best shot for winning his goodwill and keeping him from punishing her later once things had calmed down, but Brynn was far too occupied with herself and the worry for her family to actually care.
What he said next though held her back. Hadn’t the situation been one so severe Brynn would now have broke out into a highly amused laugh. Prince Arthur actually had quite the way with words if he wanted to! The sarcasm was right to the point to send Brynn almost blushing for her stupidity. Of course, someone wanting to fight and kill would have to be able to see, and hiding from someone without eyesight was equally pointless. Still, she couldn’t just let him taunt her that way!
“Well, excuse me how could I have known!” she snapped angrily. “It’s not like I’m an expert on magical means. Whoever sent them might have given them some surplus powers and all!”
It was actually intriguing how someone could change from sarcastic to reasonable in a heartbeat, Brynn observed. Not so sure she would be able to do the same, she just listened and then kept silent for a little while, to give way to some sort of untainted reason as well.
“So what you say is you still haven’t found the right place to hide him? What about the kitchens themselves? I mean, disguised as a servant and hidden down there he would hardly stick out… or so I think!” she added hastily, not wanting to make him believe she wanted to insult the king in any way. Some people could stand being teased for hours, but as soon as someone they held in high regards was the target, they went wild.
Of course this suggestion had not been made without hidden thoughts. That way she could show Arthur the way down there and look after her family, protected by the best warrior of Camelot.
His soothing tone surprised her, and it made her think back to the very first time her phobia had shown, when she had been still very little. Her father had been with her then and he had also used the very same words to calm her down.
She did as he said and it had the desired effect. The panic was still there but bearable. If she concentrated enough, she might make it.
“Thank you… I think I am ready for take off now!”
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 9, 2010 13:50:50 GMT -5
It was one of those moments when everything seemed to happen in slow motion. Brynn’s visual field narrowed down to the crossbow pointing at her, she didn’t even quite see the man holding it. The sounds, especially the screams she only could hear like through a thick wooden door, muffled and highly unreal.
She heard Alex’ desperate outcry, and his “Move!” mixed with a shocked, long “Nooooo!” that seemed to come from everywhere, but Brynn was apt enough still to recognize Sir Leon’s voice. She felt being jostled and lost her balance like in trance, starting to fall in what seemed like eternal minutes to her and yet were only split seconds.
Just before the goosemaiden could hit the ground something bumped into her shoulders with surprising force, sending her smashing onto the hard cobble stones of the courtyard. The impact was enough to let the world spin up to normal pace and suddenly Brynn was VERY aware of her surroundings, the screams and stampeding feet, all so very confusing. And something was off. Why couldn’t she move? She should get up, there was no use lying on the ground, was there? And why had she fallen anyway, that was such a stupid thing to do…
And while they were at it, could they all stop screaming please? She was trying to THINK here for crying out loud!
And then: Pain.
Pain so sudden and severe Brynn’s breath caught in her throat, making her cough in surprise – which only seemed to add to it. Everything blurred again, the odd clarity from just seconds ago was wiped out by some sort of red mist clouding her vision, and by the heavy rushing of blood in her ears. The feeling of pain was so ubiquitous it took Brynn several moments to locate its source: her left shoulder. Something warm was trickling down her arm as well, tingling on her skin, adding a frustrating itch to the pain.
Then, in a rush everything came back to her: The command of Queen Morgana, the turning of the soldiers, the crossbow pointing at her… she had been hit! By a crossbow bolt!
Again Brynn tried to move, to catch at least a glance of the damage, but as black spots began to dance before her eyes she quickly gave up on it.
Alex was suddenly there, his concerned voice piercing the red cloud around her mind. His voice, so filled with concern and panic would have made her heart melt on any other occasion. But her heart was too preoccupied trying to keep on a steady beat at the moment, to keep her conscious why she felt herself slipping away.
She wanted to say: ‘I am fine, Alex, I am good’, but all she could get out from between tightly pressed lips was: “A-Alex…I”
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 6, 2010 20:21:48 GMT -5
Alex’s teasing tone made it a bit easier to shrug his comment off as something normal and not in the least meant… differently. What he actually said was too good to be true, but it most likely was just another of his charming come-ons, Alex seemed to extract the gist of everything she said and turned it into the most charming way it could be replied to. That was a simple concept yet very effective. And it surely didn’t help with keeping a clear head around him. Because there was a very prominent part of Brynn’s mind actually hoping he meant everything he said – or if that was too much to ask for, perhaps some things?
“Well, I only hope your sister shares that high opinion of me!” she said lightly, managing a carefree grin. “At least she doesn’t object to me stealing you away for this night any longer. I would hate to see her disappointed!”
That was true. Brynn needed to stay on Lita’s good side, if she ever wanted to found a base of friendship between her and the little girl. Well, whatever sort of a friendship there could be between two girls of such an age difference. But staying around Lita meant staying around Alex in the end, as the two of them seemed as inseperable for the moment as brother and sister ever could be, and there was nothing Brynn would have liked more than that. Even if staying around him meant to be constantly on the edge of the literal seat, it was truly worth it all. No one had ever made her feel this way, as if the world was turning too fast to keep up with and then stopped randomly, sending your head into a loop. She might feel all awkward about it now, but Brynn knew herself good enough to already know she would most likely be daydreaming about this night for quite some time to come.
Brynn had to surpress a gasp as Alex, this impossible guy, got his sweet revenge. Alright, she guessed she deserved that somehow, and it was typical of him to get her that good! Now she was the one in the tight spot and had to get out of it somehow, without causing irrevocable damage. Nice one, Brynn, you should know nothing goes without consequences in this world!
“Ah, nah!” she tried to ward it off with another joke. “They most likely will think it’s the heat of the fire and think nothing about it.”
After all, Brynn was not known for exeeding blushing. She still wondered what would happen should her parents happen upon the two dancing. Not that they would actually make a scene, but there might be some questions later.
The talk about prices was a welcome distraction, and Brynn wasted no time revealing her own little story to that particular matter.
“Wow, that’s even less than my father thought of. He said once he’d rather have two horses and a non-leaking cooking pot for my mother than a girl such as me.” She chuckled. “I wonder if he ever changed his mind about that!”
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 6, 2010 15:36:36 GMT -5
Nervously fiddling her fingers, Brynn stood there in the courtyard, watching the scene unfold before her disbelieving eyes. What had the world come down to just inside a week? Could this really be the remaining knights of Camelot being lined up like culprits sentenced to die, awaiting their execution?
“I will give you one more chance to pledge your allegiance to me!” The harsh voice of Lady – of Queen Morgana rang through the courtyard as she was standing side by side with her sister Morgause on the royal balcony, and the very moment the words had left her lips, the immortal soliders lifted their crossbows and aimed at the eleven remaining knights, still standing tall and proud, facing their imminent deaths with unwavering hearts.
A tense silence ensued and Brynn held her breath, her hand subconsciously clutching Alex’ as he was standing beside her. What would the knights do? She knew some of them by sight, and had observed them all her life from afar. Now that Prince Arthur was away – and Brynn prayed he was still alive and maybe even plotting to strike back wherever he was right now – Sir Leon was the one in charge. Whatever example he set, the knights would follow. If he crumbled, so would they, if he chose to die for what he believed, then they would not hestitate to die as well. But Camelot was lost without the knights! They were the ones still representing the regime of the Pendragons, and while Brynn had never been a personal fan of King Uther, all with his obsessive hatred of magic, this was totally WRONG! Who would have thought the gracious Lady Morgana held such foul intentions?
As she was standing a bit to the left side – or right side judging from the balcony – Brynn could see a smile spreading out on Sir Leon’s face and raising his head proudly, he called out: “Long live the king!” – a call the other ten knights quickly adopted.
As much as it filled Brynn’s heart with joy, she now knew their fate was sealed. Taking a shivering breath, she closed her eyes. She didn’t want to see them fall… it was a childish move, but she couldn’t just bear the sight of the arrows hitting home, robbing Camelot of its finest warriors, all honorable men.
“Perhaps this will help you change your mind!” she heard the new queen of Camelot snap and then there was an odd sound, not the snapping of a bowstring, just the soft clinging of metal as if a band of soldiers… moved in unison!
Brynn snapped her eyes open just in time to see a crossbow pointing directly at her quivering chest. And then Queen Morgana raised her arm. The goosemaiden knew she should duck and run for cover… already she heard the shocked intakes of breath all around her, errupting into panic-stricken screams. But she couldn’t move. She simply couldn’t move a single muscle.
Tag: Alex, Gwen
Timeline: The Coming of Arthur II - Courtyard scene
Time of Day: around midday?
[/color][/size] [/blockquote][/blockquote] |
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 6, 2010 12:04:36 GMT -5
Sometimes a moment was just made to last forever. And this particular moment was one of them, Brynn decided, as she lost herself in the peaceful show her friend, the wind, had just come up with. Why she was able to… communicate with an element would be forever lost to the goosemaiden, but she also didn’t really care. There was no significant magic in her family, and if so they hid it all well. Some moments also were not made for ruining them with thoughts. She would simply sit here and watch the leaves as long as she felt like it, then maybe asking the wind to drop his little act. But not yet… it was such a wonderful sight!
Calling the wind was playing with fire, nevermind the pun, but some stubborn bone in Brynn just couldn’t and wouldn’t listen to reason right now. He geese did not pay any attention to it all, they were far too occupied with their own little lifes and minor problems, and Brynn supposed they could not even think far enough to notice leaves did normally not move this gracefully if the wind was only randomly playing with them.
In moments like this Brynn felt a little special, as she had only learned during the past few years that this had to be some sort of gift, that no one she knew ever had received such a special treatment by the wind, or felt as connected to it.
“You can be quite the charmer, you know that!” she exclaimed playfully, smiling broadly. “I have no doubt that if you were a man, the women would queue up for you! You mesmerize without even being seen… how much more must it be when—“
In that very moment she thought she heard some noise from right behind the lime tree and when she whirled around, half raising to her feet, it was like an iron fist colliding with her stomach.
“M-Merlin! Oh, that’s… that’s quite a surprise!”
Get it together! She chided herself and tried to think straight, fighting down the sickening feeling of panic flaming up inside her. So she had been too reckless after all! Any moment now Merlin would turn on his heels and run back to Camelot, telling her off to the king, and then…
“Stop it, please!” she whispered under her breath in a feeble attempt to stop the damage already done. Just a second later the wind calmed down as if on its own accord, tired of playing with the leaves. However much like a person he could act, he seemingly had no idea in what kind of danger Brynn felt herself in right now.
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 5, 2010 19:00:32 GMT -5
Her cheeks flushed and slightly out of breath Brynn squeezed through the crowd flooding the path towards the sword fight arena, muttering an occasional ‘sorry’ and ‘excuse me’ here and there and receiving some defty dig in the ribs and even a few curses as she tried to make as much speed as was possible. She was already running late! The competition could start any second, but there had been no way to sneak away from the geeze earlier. She could only hope Alex would still be there, and to be reached through all the masses of excited onlookers. She had so wanted to spend this day with him again, that’s why she took the risk of being scolded as she had left the geese alone. But really, who could blame her? With the sole act of being there Alex had somehow managed to become her first priority – in seemingly everything, even if she feared it might not be like that for him.
Finally she reached the arena and took a moment to calm down, while her eyes scanned the hundreds of faces for the one she wanted to see. Would he be looking for her too? Or had he all but forgotten that she had promised to come? She smiled in reminiscence of the banter they had had last night while dancing. He had told her he’d rather steal her away from the geese than risking her not coming at all. But Alex was Alex… most of his speech couldn’t be taken at face value. She could be called lucky if anything he had been saying was true, right? That didn’t even count in the most embarrassing parts…
Just then she spotted his familiar figure in the crowd, sitting in a row of the stands just a little below her. Her heart leapt with joy and she quickly raised a hand to her cap to rearrange her slightly flustered appearance. Too bad she could not wear her hair open today, but that could have aroused suspicion!
Brynn strained her eyes to look for a good way to descend down to him, when she suddenly saw him turning to a girl at his side, exclaiming something she could not hear over the constant buzzing of voices. But the girl beside him – it was Gwen! – laughed and seemed to enjoy herself pretty much. An ice cold fist reached for Brynn’s heart, squeezing it tight until pain seemed to rip her ribcage apart. So he had found a substitute for her – and how fast indeed. And Gwen… well, indeed why not? She was a lovely girl, and the two of them had seemed close before, in the very night two days ago when she had met Alex for the first time…
It had been a foolish idea to come here! She should turn around, return to the meadows and be done with this whole matter. Alex didn’t need her company… oh, he was quite fine!
Uncried tears of anger and sadness stinging in her eyes Brynn was about to turn on her heels, when she heard her name being called. Darn it! Gwen of all people had seen her and was now motioning her to come down. Oh greeaaat! As if she could deal with this now!
But her feet acted on her own accord, descending and moving forth until she squeezed past the last protesting spectators, reaching the ‘happy couple’. Trying to be as brave as possible she forced a smile on her face.“Heya, you two! How’s it going? I almost didn’t make it in time!”
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 5, 2010 17:39:04 GMT -5
Her mind was still far away from where her body was, not concerned with her actual surroundings, she felt like a statue, cold and immobile, only capable of one single thought: Papa, where are you?
He was not the only person in peril she cared for, before the attack had reached the castle Brynn had been almost crazy with worry about Alex, as the bakery of his family and therefore his home was situated in the lower town. But a tiny voice of reason had always tried to tell her: Those soldiers aim for the castle, they have no quarrel in the city… Alex might be safer than you are once the ramparts fall…
So her father had become her prime concern, and every scream that echoed through the castle, reaching down into the servant’s quarters send her wincing in shock. Hadn’t that been his voice? Was he able to ward off the foe, had he maybe even found a place to hide? Fleeing and hiding from such overwhelming odds was not a shame in Brynn’s eyes, all that mattered was that he came home! What would they all do without him? Without the calming, loving presence of John Reade… no! It was NOT an option!
So deep she was in her thoughts the light tapping on her door did simply escape her, until a soft voice accompanied it. A voice that sent the statue alive in mere seconds, making Brynn scramble off the bed with a low outcry, pulling the door open with all her force, sending it crashing against the wall. “ALEX!”
She hurled herself into his arms, not thinking twice about it, just wanting to hold him as close as possible, grasping the thought that he was really here.
After a moment, she pushed him back slightly, examining his tattered appearance and messed up hair, giving a shocked gasp. “Goodness, don’t tell me you’ve been battling your way through the city?!”
But yet, he had to, how else could he be here? Such foolishness! But she didn’t have it in her to scold him or anything, she just wanted to lean against him and cry, finally getting rid of all the tension inside her.
“Come in, please and sit down, take a deep breath!” she asked him and tugged at his hand. “At least you are safe…”
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 4, 2010 22:28:27 GMT -5
“You couldn’t be more right! And how gracious to allow us such a night, even if there should be so much been done right now! Long live Camelot!” Brynn exclaimed, and she meant it. There was no sarcasm hidden in her words; however harsh King Uther could be, however merciless especially when it came to sorcery, a night such as this showed how very well off the citizens of Camelot actually were. Even though the nobles had their own feast right now, the servants and citizens were allowed a night off to celebrate the glorious occasion of re-crowning Prince Arthur the future King of Camelot.
Still, that thought did only distract her so much from the actual scenery she had to deal with right now. They could talk over inanities and commonplaces the whole night, and yet there was something in the air Brynn didn’t quite dare to define.
Brynn’s gaze lingered on Lita for a while, and a smile crossed her face. From the moment she had first met the girl she had stolen her heart. In some ways she seemed to be like Elinor, in some other she was clearly taking after her elder brother – which made her all the more likeable in Brynn’s eyes.
“To be admired by such a darling is an honor indeed!” she adjudged, nodding to herself. “I will hope to find myself worthy of this admiration!” Was she now picking up Alex’ way of speeking? And if so, was that a bad thing? It didn’t sound all that bad after all… and maybe he would like her better if she did? Oh, don’t be ridiculous!
Alex next comment was again very well suited to make her blush, and she was sure it showed this time. How could he make her feel this way, he was only joking after all, right? And hadn’t her cousin sounded similar things in jest once? Back then she hadn’t blushed at all! But then again, this was not her cousin Godric, this was Alex… and Alex just possessed this special key to her emotions… however annoying that could prove sometimes, she wouldn’t trade this night and this dance for anything in the world!“Oh, my father has assigned a price to me before, he seems to know very well what he would trade me for!” she joked, remembering an evening long ago, when Elinor had not even been born, as her father had snatched her while she was running from him, calling back to Meghan, how he would rather have two horses and a non-leaking cooking pot instead of this little wildcat. But she had seen the loving gleaming in his eyes and had known he was only joking.
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 4, 2010 21:13:08 GMT -5
Autumn was a wonderful time, Brynn thought idly, as she leaned against an old lime tree, a blade of grass between her lips, her feet bare as it was still warm enough to not freeze. The constant cackling of her geese was lulling her into a trance-like state, looking up at the clouds without actually seeing them.
Nature was slowly coming to a close, there were not even enough flowers around to bind the tiniest wreath, and so Brynn found herself killing time with dreaming. Which was not the worst way to spend a day, of course, all the more as she was really on her own today. Neither Gyrth nor El had accompanied her to the meadows, and however much she liked to be with them out here, it was also nice to have calm surround her instead of their constant squeeing and laughing.
Not that she was completely alone though. A friendly presence every now and again sneaked into the forefront of her attention, grazing her with teasing fingers, caressing her face, playing with her hair. Everytime it happened, Brynn smiled up into thin air, as if there really was someone watching her from above, some friend reminding her of his company. Over the years Brynn had ceased to think it odd she actually pictured the wind like a person, like a companion even, something with intentions and feelings it expressed. Of course she could never tell anyone about that, but she didn’t mind thinking about it when she felt herself being unobserved.
A gust of wind swelled up like an answer to her thoughts, tugging at her loosely fitting cap. Brynn grinned. “Someone’s in a playful mood, huh?” she called out and tried to adjust the cap again. “Search for some other things to play with, will you? What about those leaves here?”
She motioned to the few already fallen leaves on the ground, colorful speckles in the green grass. And really, the moment she had said it some of them started to move, then more until every fallen leaf eventually moved around Brynn in a graceful dance to some inaudible music the wind itself provided. Smiling blithefully, the goosemaiden watched them sway and tumble, turn and waft. What was the harm in enjoying this beautiful spectacle a bit longer. She was on her own after all, safe from prying eyes.
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 4, 2010 1:19:04 GMT -5
Screams, shouts, banging, clinging, a dreadful symphony tormented Brynn’s ears for hours now. Sometimes she wished she could just cover her ears, squeeze her eyes shut and be done with it all, denying what was happening. Camelot was under attack – not the first time she was living through, but this time was the worst! An army of undead soldiers seemed to storm the ramparts tirelessly, mercilessly, and by now everyone was sure Camelot couldn’t hold for much longer. The omnipresent feeling of fear lay like a blanket over the tiny room, squeezing the life out of Brynn, the hope, everything that was left and good inside her, leaving only despair and dread.
He was out there. Her father was out there giving his blood trying to fight a hopeless battle. Was he even still alive? No, better not think too intently about that fact!! He would live! Papa couldn’t simply NOT be returning anymore as he always did. Dead tired and bruised, but breathing! He had survived so many fights and skirmishes… he HAD to come home again!
Maybe there was still a chance to win? Maybe the odds were not as terribly as the rumors flying from mouth to mouth made them?
Keep him safe, keep him safe, keep him safe, she repeated in her mind to no one in particular. She clinged to these words like a life saver as if she could create a protecting shield around her father if she just kept on muttering.
Never before in her life had she felt so tempted to use her powers, to at least try it even if she knew it would most likely not do any good. It seemed so easy when she thought about it: Sneaking out there into the courtyard or maybe even just to a place where she could open a window to feel connected with the wind, then she would ask him to rise up in a might never known before, sweeping those immortal foes away from Camelot. They might not die, but they surely couldn’t do anything against being blown away!
But it was hopeless! Even if she made it out unscathed, she surely was not as powerful as to conjure a storm like that. She would have to stay here… and endure.
Like this she sat on her bed for a while, her arms hugging her knees, the chin resting on her kneecaps, trying to crowd everything out. Her mother was looking after the little ones, trying to distract them with stories, but keeping everything ready in case they would have to flee. Flee where? As if they had anywhere to turn to with thousands of foes already swarming the lower city! “Can I leave you alone?” her mother had asked earlier and Brynn had nodded bravely. Now she would have liked company more than anything else, but she couldn’t just find it in her to stand up.
Tag: Alex
Time of Day: Evening
Timeline: During the attack in "The Coming of Arthur I"[/size]
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 4, 2010 0:29:15 GMT -5
CONGRATS everyone!!
Merlin, I just told you before how much I love you being him, and so it's only fair you are COTM xD
Alex and Gwen, of course I love this thread, how could I not and this is more than deserved for two such awesome posters!
Kolby, when I first read that quote I was just like: oh noooo you didn't - awesome!
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Dec 3, 2010 20:05:04 GMT -5
She shouldn’t have said it. She shouldn’t have said anything along that line. Maybe she shouldn’t even have said anything at all. Why hadn’t she just kept her mouth shut? It wasn’t her nature to speak like that anyway and look where it got them! What was gained now? Both were about to lose the thread of the conversation and Brynn herself had never felt as awkward in her whole life!
She shouldn’t have said it…. A definite no…. How could she have been so stupid?! No what? What could she possibly reply to that that didn’t sound wooden and awkward?
“I see”, she began and forced her smile to stay in place. “A good plan for now I’d say. After all, we agreed on having a night off, right? So… we should just have that!”
As if it wasn’t her OWN concern what he thought about her! Was he really that blind? Then again, didn’t she hope with all her might he would be? Or was he seeing through her demise already, wanting to point out softly with this… circumvental comment that she should bury her high hopes? He was too nice to tell her off more rudely, so that might just be his way of saying he was not interested…
Heaven and hell she was already making plans, if she now had to dimiss them! That could never turn out well! She should simply stop thinking about him now – even if that was a little difficult seeing as she still was dancing with him. But she had made it past the stage of crushing, now she didn’t want to be just one other for him… she had never felt like this before, yet she was able to analyze her feelings surprisingly well. Maybe that was due to her being a very thoughtful person in general?
Gladly they seemed to have found another base of talking, returning to the light innocent teasing of before. How could she ever have felt awkward around THAT? Brynn wondered numbly. She hadn’t known the real extent of awkward as it seemed…
“Awww, I am sure Gyrth would simply love that!” she laughed. “And don’t worry I might have different ways to convince Lita to help us! I’ll just make her a flower wreath that will make her the prettiest little girl of whole Camelot and possibly the five kingdoms!” Just a second later she realized she hadn’t even objected to the term ‘stealing’. Should she add something more? “If you’re going to steal me…will someone have to pay ransom? And what would that be?”
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Nov 30, 2010 20:41:55 GMT -5
Sometimes Alex’ remarks were so infuriating Brynn would have liked to hit him in anger. How dare he make her feel this way, blushing, breath catching in her throat, heartbeat stopping and all, if he maybe didn’t even mean it?! She would have liked to shout at him, demanding him to be truthful or stop it all at once. But of course she didn’t, Brynn wasn’t that kind of person. She just realised she was now rapidly falling for him, had maybe even crossed that line already, and she knew enough of that matter to know there was no turning back. Did she even want to go back? Perhaps, if she only could be sure he was only fooling her.
“Careful there, Alex!” she chose to tease him. “One might think you start to like me more than you let on!”
That was a very dangerous phrase to sound and part of Brynn wished to take it back. What possible good could come out of it? He would either deny it and hurt her that way… or he could lie and carry on with his charming act – and nothing gained.
Brynn saw the look in Alex eyes, and for a moment she forgot all that was said, almost ready to just believe her eyes, because in this split seconds their eyes met, there was no need for masking words, she thought she saw inside his soul, his feelings bare to everyone to see – and then that moment was gone. Had she imagined it all?
Still, the magic of this very moment was still so strong it took her some time to muster a reply, still looking at him in wonder. “Well, we just have to wait and find out then”
They were steering towards one of those awkward silences again, and this time there might be no circumventing it. Brynn had never been a girl of many words and so she had relied on Alex doing most of the talking… but he seemed unusually quiet around her. Did that mean he was bored? Oh, heaven prevent!
She had to laugh when he said that, oddly enough. It didn’t strike her as likely he could really mean it. Why should he? And anyway, what suitors? Brynn had never thought herself worthy of a man’s affection, aside from her father maybe, but that of course was a totally different story.“Oh, but then beware, for my suitors can be vicious!” she warned him, winking. “Particularly one of them, he’s very determined and strong – for his eight years!” Of course she meant no other than Gyrth with that and her gaze involuntarily strayed to her little brother, chasing after the two little girls around the fire, not regarding his sister at all, totally lost in his exciting game. Then she returned her attention to Alex, smiling mischieviously at him. She loved to be the one teasing HIM for a change!
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Nov 29, 2010 21:14:10 GMT -5
Brynn enjoyed this gathering already, four people was a perfect number to no one being left out and still all having something to say. The grapes were growing fewer and fewer as the young servants started to eat them one by one, stilling joking about their evil minds and the possible plans they could have to take over Camelot.
She laughed at Alex’ charming comment and exchanged a glance with Gwen, rolling her eyes. She might know him better, was he always that flirty? Not that she would complain, but it was a bit hard to get used to. Brynn was used to the straightforwardness of her mother, the earnest but loving silence of her father who never spoke one word too many, and the cute honesty of both her siblings. Alex however could say so much and yet mean so little, she just couldn’t estimate him yet. Would she ever be able to?
Pouring another two cups for Alex and Gwen, she raised her own and laughed as she repeated Alex’ words. “Well then, ‘for the love of Camelot!’ as our knights like to say! May our lovely kingdom be safe from fruit uprising as long as we are able to eat!” She saluted the three of them with her cup and took a deep gulp of the sweet, prickling drink. She needed to be careful with that, she did want to keep a clear head after all!
Not that Brynn actually had ever been drunk, but she had been brought up amongst soldiers, and sometimes had had to retrieve her father from the “Rising Sun” late at night. She knew what mead made people capable of – not something she wanted to experience first hand and with her new found friends at that!
When Alex did that little stunt with the apple, Brynn couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow in surprise and appreciation. It was maybe a bit show-offish, but still good!
Leaning closer towards Gwen, she whispered: “Yep. A jester, don’t you think? Is he always like that? I mean, you two seem to know each other!”
Aloud she commented: “Right so! We should not even let them get ideas! And what about the meat? I heard rumors about meat being extremely vicious in scheming! Drum stick anyone?” she indicated to a few leftover chicken thigs with a little flourish.
“Oh, and Merlin!” she continued, looking at him with a smile. “Please don’t think me nosy, but I’d like to know where you come from. You didn’t grow up in Camelot, right?”
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Nov 29, 2010 19:45:09 GMT -5
It did help to some extent that Prince Arthur was talking back, keeping her mind off walls and narrowness and all that, even though his actual words could have been some other, some not coaxing her to leave this scene. Did he really have to pour salt into that open wound? How could she possibly withstand the temptation and pull up the guts to fight her phobia if he was practically pushing her to leave? But … maybe that was the trick? Contradicting him, forcing herself to stay, wasn’t that one and the same thing? Maybe it even helped, in a way?
“Yeah, you’d like to see that, don’t you?” she scoffed. “Just so you can say ‘I told you so’! But no, I will stay here as long as I like, nevermind!”
Alright, she was clearly going to far now, she realised it with a gut-wrenching sting in her stomach that had nothing to do with her phobia. How long until she would receive severe punishment regardless the circumstances? It could only be seconds now, and some really unpleasant pictures already started running through her mind.
Of course he would realise her odd behaviour and though his comment enraged her again, she could not deny he had quite the point there. What would she think if she stumbled upon someone hitting his head against walls, muttering gibberish about stone coming alive? Exactly! Though when you were in that position it was never quite as funny!
“Mental affliction? Gee, thanks!” she muttered, closing her eyes for a second. Just imagine you are on a vast meadow with tons of flowers all around you. The space is so vast you only can see the blueish outline of a forest in the distance… That image helped a bit and after a few seconds she found herself strong enough to open her eyes again, face the harsh and cramped reality.
“It’s called claustrophobia, your Highness!” The way she entitled him sounded more like she was rather saying ‘you idiot’. Hopefully he would overlook that particular fact.
To distract him further she raised one brow quizically and decided to find out a bit more about the situation she was in. Anything to keep her distracted.
“So, do you know if these creeps will search for the king systematically? Like, do they know what he looks like or just assume? Can they actually see?” She shuddered at the memory of the metal mask staring her down before the sword had been raised against her.
|
|
Offline
Feb 8, 2013 10:12:26 GMT -5
Tag me @brynn
|
|
Post by Brynn Reade on Nov 25, 2010 20:53:21 GMT -5
A part of Brynn’s mind, the reasonable part possibly, chided her for speaking so very unseemly to a noble, nay, even a member of the royal family, Prince Arthur himself. Under normal circumstances such behaviour would have ended her in the stocks, if not even in the dungeons. But, well, under normal circumstances Brynn would have never spoken up like that. She might have her moments, but she was well used to be the invisible servant around those of higher birth. It didn’t even vex her, this was just like things ought to be, she was born a servant and she liked her life. Just maybe not in moments like this… where she had to hide out in a passageway with an infuriatimg prince that had saved her life from undead knights. Maybe it would be better to be one of the sleeping bodies right now, not knowing, not fearing, just sleeping…. Yes, sleeping… what a very good idea…
NO! Brynn actually bashed her head against the stone wall to snap out of the sleepiness that had crept onto her. She could not afford to give in to it now!
At the same time she realised she maybe should have chosen different means to keep herself awake. Now the wall had brutally forced itself back into the forefront of her mind… the dreaded closeness of the two walls, the weight she imagined to feel on her shoulder, accerlerating her breath like she was suffocating… distract yourself, before you faint or something similarly stupid!
Gladly enough Arthur had no intentions to let her remarks go uncommented, he provided her with ample means to steer her thoughts away from it all. The way he threw her reasoning back in her faxe was truly infuriating. As if he was the only one knowing anything while in fact he appeared rather clueless to the goosemaiden in the little time she had spent with him!
“Oh, and because you are such an expert in fighting them is why you hide out with me right?” she hurled at him, but still keeping her voice down. “Fact is you don’t have a clue how to save the king, but you rather keep it all to yourself instead of accepting possible help, right? But that’s oh so very typical of you, isn’t it? It shows in many other things!”
Alright, he had been personal in his insults, now she would be too! That she couldn’t think straight right now didn’t help with the plausibility of it all, but that couldn’t be changed as of yet.
“And anyway, you cannot be sure of that! It’s not like they actually have told you their plans, right? You’re just assuming and even a prince can be wrong!”
That was maybe crossing the final line but Brynn was desperate. The distraction part was slowly ceasing to be a novelty, her phobia had found away around it. “Relax, relax!” she muttered under her breath, clinging to sanity. “It’s just your imagination, you’re okay… the walls aren’t moving…”
|
|
