Dark Knight

[Merelan]

OOC hello, this thread is only for MakeMyDay and Dr. Insanus, for now. Please read and enjoy!!!
Hey you two... as you see I put in MDM wherever her character is mentioned. For though she is my Mistress, I did not know her name. Just let me know and I will edit it.
Geesh... it is all screwing. That's what I get for cut and pasting it.

Marissa:


The journey had been long and fatiguing, but neither of them complained much. It was hard, knowing that every mile brought them closer. Closer to the day when they would have to face the truth. The bald hard fact of the marriage. MDM was a noblewoman.
Her family name ancient and respected, though not as wealthy as it once had been. Her Father, out of desperation and need had betrothed her to a man to whom he owed money. In exchange for his daughter, and her virginity, her life, her soul, he would be
pardoned the debt and given many thousands besides. The deal was done and sealed before MDM had even been made aware of it. Her rages and temper had not stopped it. Her Father was in fact actually pleased to have her gone. her beauty and intelligence reminding him of his lost wife, and of his son. His son. The man who should be strong and noble and the heir to he name and estates. Instead lay next to his mother in a grave, only 2 when he finally wasted away. Over and over, her entire life, MDM had been told it was her fault they had died. Her living and stolen the boys strength, her twin. Once her Father had been a happy man, but was now embittered and sullen. Remarried, his current wife pregnant he wanted her gone. This offer had come and he had seized it, with encouragement from his new bride. What did it matter that her future groom was 58 and with the reputation of cruelty and evil. Having buried 4 wives already of various accidents and diseases. No one cared that MDM wept and raged.
Simply locking her in her room with her servant, myself. The only one who cared, oh and how I cared. Holding her through the years, young myself, but so much wiser in the ways of the world. I am a mere servant, belonging to her Father. In fact ordered back to him after the marriage. An order I am even now, as we ride along, contemplating ignoring. What shall she do without me?
Whom shall guard over her? Protect her? Hold her in the night when she cries and has her nightmares? Who else shall soothe her in my special way? Even now as I sit here watching her, she has a tear in her eye. Longing so I reach out and wipe it away. She turns and again I am stunned. her beauty is in her soul, shining out. Why does no one see it but me? The despair there also. She has forgiven me. It was I who got her in the carriage, calming her, till she let me pull her in. For the first few days she ignored me,
then raged at me. striking out and hitting me a couple times. But I was right, and in the end she saw that. We were going, no matter what. At least this way she had left with dignity. Another deep rut and we are thrown together again. her touch sparking a fire in my belly. Our eyes meet and we both see.
For, we have a secret she and I.
I? Who am I? I am Marissa, her servant, her friend, her nurse. Whatever she needs of me is hers. My life if necessary, my soul was given to her years ago. Raised together, my Mother her wet nurse. We have never been apart. There is nothing in my life without her. If I am forced to leave her I shall die. By my own hand if necessary, but I cannot return to her keep. Knowing what her Father has planned for me. To become the slut of his stables. A gift to his groomsmen for the work they have done. It is with fervent prayer to a God I don't even know exists or not that her husbands reputation be exaggerated. Perhaps she will be able to charm him into submission, and let me stay. I am useful in the household arts, and in nursing. Gardening even, for I was made to do
many chores by her Father.
But as we ride along, the landscape gets gloomier, the weather forbidding. A storm, and we are miles from shelter. An uneasy feeling surrounds me and I slip closer to her, our knees touching. Like we are being watched. it is the storm, only the storm. She has slipped against the side and fallen into a doze. I softly cover her in my cloak, for the air has chilled. Keeping an eye on her, as
always. With a start I realize I was dozing and we are stopped. the sounds of screaming and fighting outside. Highwaymen.
Switching seats to her side as she awakens. I cover her mouth with my hand. Wrapping her closer, trying to hide her in the shadows, and its folds. The sounds continue and her trembling increases. then silence, only a voice, but whose? It is deep and does not sound familiar. Dear God, please. let our men have won. But the door is torn open and we can see a strange shadow, no features for the light is behind him. Pushing her deeper behind me, almost smothering her, I try again to hide her.
Acting bold and daring.
"How dare you disturb us!"

 

[Make_My_Day]

Madelon DuMonét (MDM)

The landscape passes before my eyes.. how can a world so beautiful be so cruel. I stare at the darkening clouds.. the storm at hand resembles the one raging in my heart.
I was filled with blind fury as the only person I loved and he only person that loved me, was about to me taken from me..
And what was to become of her.. so far her only purpose had been to take care of me, keep me company, to serve me.. what would she be doing at my father’s castle as I was gone? Even my doomed imagination could not take me as far as the cruel reality, yet I shivered with the thought.

My father had never recovered from my mother’s and brother’s deaths and his new wife was selfish. Marissa is all I have in this world and – if being sold off like a slave to a vicious man almost three times my age was not enough – my father had ordered Marissa to return as soon as she had delivered me.
And I hit her.. oh my god.. I hit her.. tears filled my eyes.. I was raging, I was in despair and like a wild animal I hit her.. she reached out, wiped away my tear. God, how I wanted to hold her close right now..

I rested my head and closed my eyes.. the pain.. the storm.. the fury.. I concentrated, locking it all up, back into my heart, where I could control it, I hoped. But it was so much. My heart felt like a trunk, stuffed and ready to burst open any minute..

She moved in close when we stop and hear the fighting outside.. the sounds of violence jeopardise the fragile lock I have on my heart, adding to my own fury.. I tremble, from both fear and adrenaline.. Marissa almost smothers me in her protective ways "How dare you disturb us!" she cries out. What? What? it echoes in my mind.. I cannot see, Marissa defends me with her body.. but from what.. who..
I feel her panting and her heartbeat.. her body so closely pressed against mine..

 

[doctor_insanus]

Sir Derrick of Darquenhall

The darkness seemed to gather around us as the storm approached. Gazing up at the sky, I watched the roiling clouds as they spread over the horizon. A small smile traced across my lips… I had always taken comfort in the coming storm. It seemed as if my own power grew with its approach. My imagination at work, no doubt. Still, it did add a touch of drama.

My reverie was broken by the sound of voices from below. The scouts were returning with news of the Lady Madelon’s procession. They were close… it seemed their arrival would coincide with the storm’s. Again, I smiled. It was all so perfect. The first cool breeze washed over me, like a gentle caress. Perhaps, I thought, it was somewhat more than just imagination.

How long I had waited for this! Like a shadow spreading over the kingdom, covering it with darkness. It was all so fitting. I had dwelt in darkness for so long, and now I would bring it to the man who had damned me. Revenge, so sweet on my tongue, was at hand.

At last, the caravan made its way toward us. She was guarded well, at least. Her father no doubt wanted his precious offering completely intact. Turning to my men, I spoke quietly.

“The lady and her servant are to remain unharmed. Beyond that, you may indulge yourselves.”

Smiles all around. Spurring the horses on, we rode down upon them. The first guards were dropped by the arrows from our archers. Then, my men fell upon the rest. It was over quickly. The guards simply lacked the skill or experience to face us. They died quickly, but at least they died well.

My men began dragging the bodies to the side of the road. They would be burnt, and the carvan would simply be taken whole to my lands. No since in letting the horses and whatever valuables they transported go to waste.

Approaching the lady’s carriage, I could almost sense the terror within. Would they beg? Plead for mercy? I would expect no less. Her father certainly would have, not that it would do the miserable bastard any good.

Throwing open the door, I peered inside. The servant… Marissa, I had been told her name was Marissa… had placed herself before the lady. Very noble. Futile, but noble.

“How dare you disturb us?” she cried.

“I would dare much this day.” My hand went to her wrist, and I pulled her from the carriage. She fought against me with surprising strength, but I shoved her into the waiting arms of my lieutenant. While he held her fast, I turned back to the lady.

Her eyes were fixed on my own. I found myself surprised by her strength. She was not her father's daughter, that was certain... I imagined her mother was the source of this steel. Still, I couldn't allow myself to waste time admiring her. My own carriage awaited them. This one would be torched and left behind. Let her father take from that what he would.

Smiling, I offered my hand.

“Come, Lady Madelon. Your journey has been long and hard… but it is far from over.”

 

[Merelan]

Marissa:
Screaming and twisting, unable to break free. Obsenities flowing from my mouth. My nails raking across his man's face, leaving a trail of blood.
Throwing myself on this man's back, biting, yanking. Anything to get him away from her. How futile. How foolish. Soon I was slumped on the ground, felled by his man's fist. Still, I clung to his legs, trying desperately to keep him away from her, even as they dragged me away.

 

[Make_My_Day]

Madelon

Marissa fought like a wild cat.. I had never seen her like this. Seeing the men toss her around, so much stronger then either one of us, I stayed calm, knowing it would be useless.
With eyes cold as ice, I looked at the stranger cursing myself for thinking I found him rather attractive actually.

He offered his hand with a smile.. he knew my name.. had we met before? For a second I doubted but realised right away that it would be useless to act stubborn in this case.
I raised my chin up high and – to make sure that he knew I was not all impressed by him – I wiped away his hand as I got out. A silent sneer at the man who so brutally dared to disturb us. Whatever the intensions.
Once out of the carriage I stood tall in front of him and looked up as he was quite a bit taller. “What is the meaning of all this” I hissed, trying to look stern and in control.
The truth was that he made me shiver, his eyes twinkled mischievously as he smiled down at me..

 

[doctor_insanus]

Derrick

So... there was fire in her as well. Even better! I gazed down at her, our eyes locked. For several seconds, I waited for her to drop her gaze... but she never did.

Smiling, I turned toward my own carriage. My men were busy placing the lady's personal belongings inside... I wasn't that much of beast. Marissa, kicking and fighting the whole time, was tossed inside. Perhaps, I thought, she might be a source of the lady's strength, as well? She certainly showed spirit in the face of danger...

Thunder rolled across the valley. I looked toward the east, toward our destination, and saw the rain approaching. A burst of lightning danced through the clouds, and another rumble shook the land. The storm was upon us.

Opening the door, I held my hand out for the lady. With an icy glance, she stepped past me and joined her servant. I closed the door behind them and called for my horse. As the carriage began to move, I stepped in beside it. Smiling as the first drops of rain began washing over me, I imagined what must be going through the minds of my lovely captives.

Thoughts of what awaited them were also filling my head. If Medelon's father only knew what was in store for her...

 

[Make_My_Day]

Lady Madelon

My face twitched when I watched how the men tossed Marissa into the waiting carriage. I was, unlike her, raging in silence and ascended responding to his gesture with the dirtiest look I could create.

Marissa, immediately concerned for my well-being “I’m fine” I replied confident and, with my lips still pressed together in anger, checked her features for any harm “are you hurt?”.
She shook her head and I knew that even if she was hurt she would tell me. She took both my hands in hers and we simply stared at each other.. we didn’t need to speak and I wouldn’t have known what to say.. she knew I was in fear and I knew that even if she would be too it would only make her stronger.

The sound of the hoofs was threatening and the carriage kept speeding up fast.. the drumming sound of the raindrops increased the tension.. what a nightmare.. my eyes were burning as I felt the tears of fear and anger well up.

 

[Merelan]

Marissa: Trying hard to check my tears, and not rub the sores and bruise that surely must be developing from their handling.
Silently we sat there, holding hands. Willing strength into her. pleading silently to an indifferant God for relief, at least for her. She looked so frightened, yet how proud I was of her. Haughty and cold to that man, hiding her fear in front of him.
Stroking her cheek softly, but pulling my hand away in fear they would see, and know.

 

[doctor_insanus]

Derrick

The ride to Darquenhall was long and hard, and the storm continued to rage throughout the night. Every so often, I would glance toward the lady to see how she fared. She always wore the same expression of defiance, and I saw the lightning reflected in her lovely eyes.

It was well past midnight when we reached the fortress that I had claimed a decade ago. Located in the farthest corner of the kingdom, it was far from the nearest civilization. My exploration of its shrouded passageways led me to believe that it had once belonged to an ancient wizard. What had become of him remained a mystery.

It was secluded. It was practically impregnable. For my needs, it was perfect.

As the carriage came to a halt at the front gate, I opened it and again offered my hand to Madelon. I felt the thin smile stretching across my face as our eyes met.

"Welcome to your new home, milady. Come... it's been a long journey. Let me show you to your rooms."

 

[Merelan]

Marissa:

We had come to a stop. Sitting quietly, wondering what he was up to.

"Welcome to your new home, milady. Come... it's been a long journey. Let me show you to your rooms."

I sprang between them.
"She is not your lady. She is Lady Madelon DuMonét, the only child of Sir DuMonet. You dare not touch her or hurt her. I demand you release us this minute." Awkwardly pushing her behind me to keep him from touching her again. "He will come after you with all his power and crush you for so much as delaying her." His grin grew as I spoke. Was that what he wanted?

"And she is affianced to the Baron of Gerrindia. A mighty man whom you dare not cross."

 

[Make_My_Day]

Lady Madelon

Marissa took me by surprise.. although.. I should have known. The way she handled the brutal man, who had dared to take us away, gave me strength.

She has always been the one to give me strength.. she is my strength.

From behind her I tried to look mean, looking consistantly with her brave words.
But when she mention the Baron it suddenly shed a different light on the situation.. a plot formed in my mind.. why hadn't I thought of this before!

I was now eager to get alone with Marissa and discuss it with her. As with anything, I valued her opinion to great extend.

 

[doctor_insanus]

Derrick

So... she is more than just a servant. I see that now.

As Marissa stood before me, her eyes blazing with righteous fury, I allowed myself the pleasure of admiring her. She was a beautiful woman in her own right, worthy of the Lady DuMonet. I found myself glad that I had brought her along as well...

The mention of the bastard father shocked me back to awareness. My jaw clenched reflexively, and I felt my fingernails digging into my palms. Lowering my head slightly, I fixed my gaze directly at her.

"I haven't the least concern for the 'power' of Sir DuMonet. He continues to live only because I haven't tired of tormenting him... yet." My hand went to Marissa's face, squeezing it gently between my fingers. Her lips twisted in a hateful grimace at my touch, but she never dropped her gaze.

"As for the Baron of Gerrindia, I say let him prove his mettle. Thus far I have seen little to distinguish him from the rest of the posturing fools that rule this kingdom."

"For now, at least."

Pushing her aside, I faced the lady. "Your servant dares much, milady. You will find that I am not a man to be trifled with. In the future, you should both keep that in mind."

Taking her hand in my own, I led her toward the castle. Their new home.

 

[Merelan]

His hand squeezed my face as he spoke, angered. Careful I thought, don't you dare push me.
But what could I do, at the moment. I saw the look she threw me, and bowed my head. He took her hand and led her inside, and I humbly followed. His men behind me, stroking my hair and touching me. Whirling I glared and they backed off, but I saw it was only for now. Staying close to my Lady as he led us up the stairs.

 

[Make_My_Day]

Lady Madelon

I let him take me by the hand. His grip was strong. There was very little I could do. As soon as I tried to pull back he pulled in a way to show he had very little patience left. Not hurting me though, but persistent and consistent with the words he had just spoken.

I looked around.. it was dark, but in the frail light of the moon, I could see that there was only land surrounding this castle.. no civilization whatsoever.
I glanced at Marissa was she there?.. Ok.. she was right behind me.. as long as they would not keep us apart, then it would be ok.

We were led up the stairs, through the hallway until he opened one of the door and pulled me inside. The room was very big. Not bad actually.. for a prison..
In the fireplace the fire was already burning.. he had this all planned, he had taken all the arrangements.. but why?

I turned to him, Marissa was ready to throw herself in between again, “what is it you want from us?”

 

[doctor_insanus]

Derrick

I smiled at her words as I let my thoughts wander. What indeed? Now that they were here, at my mercy, what was to become of the Lady DuMonet and her servant Marissa? I certainly had plans for them, but to reveal them now would be such a waste.

Better to let the anticipation build...

"Time enough for discussion later, milady. For now, I am sure you must be exhausted from your long journey. Rest, and tomorrow we will talk."

Bowing to her, I nodded to Marissa. "Your quarters are next to the Lady's. Actually, they are connected by that doorway... you will have no trouble fulfilling your duties."

Another bow, and I turned to leave. Dismissing the guards with a wave of my hand, I left them alone. Let them dwell on their fate... together...

 

[Merelan]

As soon as he left, locking the door behind him I took her in my arms. Holding her close, trying to sooth her with my touch.
"It's going to be okay. He doens't dare hurt you my Lady. I shan't ever let him touch you again. No matter what I have to do."

Furious, angered, yet grateful too, for letting us be alone. Yet, were we alone? Was he listening even now, or watching?

 

[Make_My_Day]

Lady Madelon

I looked up in her arms and took her both her hands in mine. I knew she must have thought I was about to burst into tears.. but I couldn’t, I wasn’t..
Sure, I was frightened on the one hand, but on the other hand.. I leaded her towards the bed and we sat down. I looked at her, my eyes slightly twinkling..
“Marissa.. “ I whispered “this could be our chance.. Maybe this way I could get out of the marriage with Baron of Gerrindia..”
I looked at her in anticipation.. what did she think? Was I stupid or naive in thinking this could actually be a solution..
But then again.. the solution could be worse than the problem.. oh dear.. I bit my lip..

“What do you think?!”

 

[Merelan]

She was so trusting. Didn't she know what this man wanted of her? I had seen it in his eyes. Revenge. When I had mentioned her father's name his eyes had flared, oh so briefly. But what to say, were we being listened to, watched? On the pretense of calming her more i sat her at the stool in front of the mirror, fingering her curls back into place. Leaning down to supposedly fix a few. Whispering close.
"Careful, they might be listening. Remember your father's house." Hoping she would understand what I meant. The secret passages and tunnels that we had discovered, and then used to escape and hide whern things had gotten too bad. Or we had wanted to be alone.

 

[Make_My_Day]

Lady Madelon

I looked up at her.. or actually at the reflection of her in the mirror.. Her fingers were slightly trembling as she trailed them through my hair. I loved it when she did that..
Normally I would close my eyes and enjoy her touch but right now I was much too uptight about the whole situation.
Images rushed through my brains..

Yes of course I knew what she meant when she mentioned my father’s castle, I smiled at her reflection as if I were saying “remember the fun we had?”.

 

[Merelan]

Letting my fingers trace her cheek slowly, then back to touching and rearranging her curls. Knowing it would help her relax and think clearly.

"Would my Lady like a bath? I am sure the nice man would let me give you one. If you asked nicely." Emphasizing the sarcasm in my voice at the word nice. If it was up to me I would scratch his eyes out for so much as looking at her, much less touching her. Also, in the privacy of the bathroom with the noise of splashing I could warn her clearer, and see what she was thinking.

 

[Make_My_Day]

Lady Madelon

I nodded.. “I’m sure he would”.
Marissa was so clever, the sound in her voice made her intensions very clear. She was good at that.
One of the advantages of growing up together, we were tuned into each other.
I started untying the ribbons of my dress, standing up and watching myself in the mirror. For the occasion.. well, not this occasion of course, I had been given a new dress and a most beautiful one it was too!
My eyes turned to the floor.. and opened my mouth to complain about the mud that had ruined the dress already. Suddenly I was furious, but immediately the feeling vanished.. it was the least of my worries..

 

[Merelan]

Marissa:

I helped her remove the outer dress, covered in mud and filth. Then wrapping her tight in a blanket off the bed, I left her to undo her hair.
Pounding on the foor to draw attention. Hoping someone, anyone but him would answer.

 

[Guest]

Derrick

I sat alone in my chambers, a wineglass forgotten in my hand, gazing into the thick darkness. Darkness seemed omnipresent here, where shadows filled every corner. It seemed no amount of light could completely banish them. Not that I would... I found the cold and the dark of this place oddly comforting.

My thoughts returned to the Lady Madelon. She had not withered like the fragile little flower I had taken her for. Again, I was impressed by her strength in the face of danger. Hers... and the servant Marissa's.

Revenge had been my motivation for taking her. Revenge against the man who had cast me out a decade ago, when I was the youngest and most promising of his knights. I remembered her... even then, everyone saw the beauty in her. I wondered... did she even remember me? Probably not.

From somewhere in the castle, a loud pounding rang out. Sighing, I rose from my chair and summoned a maid.

"See to the lady," I said quietly. "Make sure she has everything that she may require."

When the maid had left, I turned to a small globe that rested in a far corner of my bedroom. It glowed softly - another gift from Darquenhall's former master. With it, I could see and hear anything that happened in my home.

The temptation to use it was great...

 

[doctor_insanus]

Hey! I was logged in, dammit! What the heck happened?

Oh well. Needless to say, that was me...

 

[Merelan]

Marissa:
A maid answered and helped me prepare the bath for my Lady, then left, though eyeing us suspiciously. I had tried to talk to her, tell her we were prisoners. But she refused to speak, or couldn't.
"Can you at leats take a note for us, give it to anyone. Just that. Please." But she held up both her hands and shook her head. L:ater, I would work on her later.
For now I helped MiLady into the bath, then stripped down myself. My eyes drinking in her form, so slender and graceful. How many times had I helped her thus, till that one fateful day.
'Soaking a cloth I began slowly stroking her skin, trying to splash and make noise in case they were listening. Leaning close to her I whispwer still though.
"We may be watched and listened to. So quickly. What was your idea. I saw you wanted to say something. I tried bribing that maid, but she is either to simple, or terrified to help." Laying her head back and kneeling between her legs. Her sweeet pussy winking at me. No, pay attention. Do not think of her. Slowly washing each foot, each toe. Perfection even in her limbs.