Gift of Fate

[Wanderer D]

/ooc Welcome to 'Gift of Fate'. This story is a little RP endeavor by Mistress and myself and serves as practice for taking part in the RP forums.
As such, the thread will be closed, but we welcome comments and suggests in the /ooc thread here: Comments for Gift of Fate
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Cerus' blade took the charging warrior in the heart. The look of rage in the Decanti's face turned to surprise, his final exhalation of breath hot on Cerus's face. In full charge, the momentum of the dead warrior carried his body into Cerus and to the ground.
"Hoof!" His wind left him as the armored warrior fell upon him. The Decanti's metal armor cut into him as Cerus regained his breath and shoved on the dead man's shoulder, struggling to unpin himself before-
The cold steel of a blade pressed against his neck just as he heaved the corpse off of him. Frozen, he wondered why he wasn't already dead.
"Hrrr." A growl echoed from the throat of the one holding the sword even as the pressure decreased on Cerus' neck.
Breathing lightly as he tensed his muscles, Cerus risked turning his head, bringing the point of the sword to rest on his adam's apple.

The blade's wielder, another Decanti, scowled at the Hectan and growled again. Cerus, evaluating his enemy, saw the bloody opening in the other warrior's belly. The Decanti warrior had suffered a slash across his stomach, opening his armor and the flesh beneath. Blood weeped from the opening, its rusty wetness drenched the warrior's greaves. The arm that wasn't holding the sword was attempting to hold the wound shut and another sound that Cerus now knew was a growl of pain escaped the Decanti's throat.
"The chariots of hell race for me even now," the warrior said as his face twisted in pain. He dropped the swordpoint away from Cerus' throat and he turned, his glazed eyes looking over the battlefield. "What is one more death?" He turned his head to look at Cerus. "None of this matters any-" he grimaced as a bolt of pain shot through him. "-any more." He turned his sword downward and used it to lower himself to sit beside Cerus.

Black hair streaked with gray spilled across the man's shoulders as he threw off his helm. His once proud shoulders sagged with fatigue. The lines and scars on his face told Cerus that this warrior had seen many battles. Now, he was dying. Cerus too had died, many months ago. His hope had died, his passion had died. As the Decanti said, none of it mattered any more.
Cerus rolled up to crouch on one knee. His brown eyes scanned the surrounding field. The cries of the dying mixed with those of the carrion birds. The sounds of steel upon steel were silenced and he knew his blade, still buried in the dead warrior's chest, would not be needed.

"I spared your life, Hectan," the dying man whispered. "Your blood is mine." He recited the Blood Pledge through a grimace filled with agony. His head felt light. The chariots would arrive soon.

Cerus bowed his head. The Blood Pledge's bond surmounted the rift that brought their clans together in battle, it's origins lost in the darkness of the ages.
"My blood is yours, even to death. What price do you demand?"

The Decanti nodded with pained approval and reached beneath his mail shirt. With a snap he broke the leather cord that tied a small pouch around his neck. "Take this to-" he pressed his lips together, focusing. The pain was slowly receding. It was almost time. He pressed the pouch into Cerus's hand. "Take this to Flora, in Salaris." The man took rapid breaths, trying to keep his head for just a few moments longer. "Tell her...tell my wife, my death was swift, my battle cry-her name." A final sigh escaped the Decanti's lips as his head fell to his chest.

 

[Mistress]

The Tavern’s music filtered through the walls of the small wooden building and out onto the streets. Once in awhile you could see a passerby bouncing to the merry music as they went on their way. The Tavern though small catered to many people, busy from sunrise to sunset, the barmaids and cooks hustled about. Travelers from many different places would stop in for a good meal and a nice yet cheap place to sleep for the night.

The Tavern’s owner Lunus was in his late thirties married with two sons, and one much younger sister. He did well for himself; he had been in the military for a short while before becoming injured by a blow to his knee, which left him with an obvious limp. His wife Aselia worked as a Barmaid and also cooked along side their oldest son, Thaddeus.

Thaddeus in his early twenties mainly looked after his aunt and younger brother while he had the chance. The Tavern kept him moderately busy at times and other times he could just sit and relax and spend time with his wife Rilia. Lunus’s other son; Haywyn was his aunt’s best friend, they were both the same age and they basically grew up together. Together they held a special bond, that didn’t even falter when his aunt married, he and Thad thought of her more as a sister then an aunt.

Flora was Lunus’s baby sister at the age of nineteen she was much younger then him, he practically raised her after their parents died while she was still a baby. He was also the one who introduced her to Gilas, her husband. She was only fourteen when she accepted Gilas’s proposal. Lunus and Gilas had been fighting side by side for years, and Lunus was proud to have his baby sister marry a Decanti Warrior. The wife of a Decanti Warrior was shown almost as much respect as the Elders of the Clan. It raised her status up in the community, and this was something that brought pride to their family.

The role of a wife to a Decanti Warrior was a hard one. Your husband was almost always gone, very rarely home, and when he was home it was only for a short period of time before he was returned to the Fighting Fields. Flora was much younger then Gilas, younger by twenty-three years. She accepted his vows to bring pride into her family, and to ensure that she would be well taken care of. Lunus had a family of his own to raise and she did not want to get in the way of that. Though she adored Gilas she could not say she remotely loved him as much as he did her. It was hard to love someone so much older and who was barely around, yet she did everything in her life to please him. She never felt burdened by their marriage, and was grateful that he loved her so much. Five years of marriage however was a long time when your husband was a Decanti Warrior, and she was lonely.

Yet she had the Tavern, a place where she could keep herself busy abiding to the customer needs and what not, she loved to help Lunus run the Tavern. She hoped that one day she could open an Inn of her own, but with how well the pub was going for her brother she had no reason to leave. She never had any reason to believe her world was about to be turned upside down either….

 

[Wanderer D]

Surveying the battlefield once more, Cerus retrieved his sword, then looked at the pouch held tightly in his grasp. The leather was thick but he couldn't feel anything inside it. Maybe the Decanti had been dazed by his wound and hadn't realized he gave his sworn enemy an empty coin pouch. The drawstring on the pouch was tied in a knot that was tight from being wetted and dried repeatedly.
'Should I open it?' he asked himself. It would require a knife and his had been lost days ago, jammed in the chain of an enemy vest. Was it his business what the Decanti warrior had left inside, if anything. His mind played over what the pouch might contain and whether it was worth it to just open the small bag and be done.
Cerus sighed. Salaris. Deep in Decanti clanlands. Blood Pledge perhaps, but its invoker was dead and no one knew of their pact. He stared at the pouch without actually seeing it, broken from his reverie only by the call of a carrion bird nearby.
He picked his way off the battlefield, avoiding the corpses and the flocks of birds that swarmed around them. Finding the road, he headed South where he knew there was a town, a bath and a warm bed to finally rest in.

 

[Mistress]

A Couple Days Before....

---------------------------
She groaned as she felt the familiar choking feeling in the back of her throat, gagging she moved away from the barrel of fish and covered her mouth with her hand. She glanced about to see if anyone was watching then quickly disappeared out the back door of the tavern. Once outside she took deep breaths of the fresh air and tried to calm her stomach, leaning back against the rough wooden wall to keep balance. She heard footsteps pounding the floor from inside and looked up at the door just as her nephew’s face poked out. He raised his eyebrows and with concern asked,” Flora?”

“I’ll be fine Thad, just a bit of sickness on me stomach.” She smiled warmly and nodded to him, hoping to ease his concern. “Go on, I’ll be as sharp as an arrow soon enough, ye know that.”

He stepped out into the bright sunshine and breathed in the air,” Beautiful day it is Flora, maybe you should go rest, relax a bit, no need to work tonight we are slow in business.”

“Thaddeus....” She scolded him without having to say anything else other then his name. Sighing he nodded leant forward and kissed her cheek then disappeared back inside. As soon as he was gone she bent over and coughed up her morning breakfast, her hand clutching her stomach. Frowning she stood back up and adjusted her long skirt, then slowly crept back inside, murmuring slightly to herself,”Poor child ye picking an erroneous time to be known.”

 

[Wanderer D]

Cerus sighed as he adjusted the bundled armor to his other shoulder. A day and a half of walking alone with only his thoughts and the crunch of dirt beneath his feet to keep him company. Always those thoughts turned to a past filled with pain. The men he commanded saw him as a fierce warrior, possessing a skill and fury they hoped to attain one day. Cerus only saw a man who no longer feared the death that would finally bring him peace.
Cerus finally allowed himself to think of rest as the road he followed curved around a hillock, bringing the town into view. Here and there citizens went about their business, taking no note of the stranger as he entered the collection of clapboard homes and shops. They never did. He was a ghost, to them and himself.

"Aaaaahhgg." From a darkened window came a forlorn cry filled with pain and emptiness. No one but Cerus seemed to notice the sound as it echoed from the small, rundown dwelling. What made him stop and approach the door he didn't know.

The screech of rusted hinges announced the unexpected visitor. Cerus frowned at the noise and what he saw as he opened the door. Upon a dirty and rat chewed cot lay an old man, his face twisted in pain. He turned eyes dimmed by cataracts toward the doorway.

Cerus was too late. She lay upon the bed, their bed. The bed shared in so many nights of passion, so many nights of love. Nights he would lie next to her, brushing her soft raven locks, whispering to her the things young-love whispers. Nights their bodies glowed with the fires of their love. Now she lay, her face gray and sunken, her body ravaged by the fever. Her empty eyes stared at him, the hope they once held of him walking through the door long gone.

"Jacob," the hoarse whisper of the dying man broke the warrior's painful remembrance. "Jacob my boy, is that you? Come closer," he beckoned with one skeletal hand.

Cerus edged closer, his leather breeches creaked slightly as he crouched down near the old man who saw, if faintly, somebody else. "I'm here."

A rattling cough shook the elder's body. Cerus feared it would be the last noise the old man would make, but soon his breathing settled into the quiet rattling of aged lungs. "Jacob, I am dying, but you know that," he paused to lick his lips. "You must take something to your sister." He grasped the man's arm weakly. "Over there, on the table."
Cerus looked where the man indicated with a wave of his other hand and saw only dust and rat droppings. "Take it to her. It is very important." He squeezed the younger man's arm. "Promise me you will give it to her. Promise me, Jacob."
Sorrow for the old man filled Cerus' eyes as he thought of the other promise he had made. Taking the dying elder's hand in his he squeezed gently, "I will."

 

[Mistress]

“It seems that husband of yours left you with more then a goodbye kiss when he last came home for a visit.” Rose the old midwife of Salaris cackled at Flora as she lowered the hem to the long skirt the younger woman wore. “Moon flow stop?”

Flora shrugged, “I have never been good at keep track, yes, when I am not sure.”

“Well the time period is obvious my dear girl, Gilas has been gone for two months. Unless ye has bedded elsewhere I would say two months it is.”

Flora frowned, “There has been no where else Old Woman!”

Again Rose cackled and handed a leather pouch to the woman, “Make a tea of this every morning, it will help with the sickness. Do not use too much just a few leaves and petals, it will be enough for a week then return to me for more when needed. Do not worry child, you will be fine in old Rose’s care.” She nodded and opened her door, “See you soon my dear.”

Flora slightly smiled and made her way down the street to the Tavern, her mind clouded with the thoughts of carrying a babe in her womb. She entered the tavern and saw her family’s eyes turn towards her and she saw a smile cross Aselia’s face. Flora smiled back and greeted them all at the bar. “Mmm, something smells good, who is cooking today?”

Aselia grinned, “Not I obviously, Thad is preparing a special supper. I swear he has better womanly skills then I do at times.”

“Hush woman!” Lunus winked playfully, “Better not let him hear you say that.”

Flora giggled and set the pouch down on the counter then sighed, “I feel tired brother, and I miss my husband.”

Lunus and Aselia exchanged glances then Lunus wrapped his arm around Flora tightly, “He will be home soon, it is about time for the runners to be heading into town to shout their arrival!” He smiled reassuringly at her and kissed her forehead, “Gilas is a strong Warrior Flora, you know this and he loves you greatly, his spirit would never pass on without saying he loves you first.”

Flora nodded slowly and breathed in deeply, she slightly smiled, “Thank you Lunus.”

Aselia smoothed down a strand of Flora’s hair, “Come let’s go check on Thad.”

Flora grabbed the leather pouch and slipped it into her pocket, she would tell them later, and right now she just wanted to feel as if she was not alone like her mother had been when her father went off to war while she was birthing her younger still born brother.

 

[Wanderer D]

Cerus rubbed his eyes as he rolled up out of bed. He felt somewhat better after a passable meal and the night's sleep, but his thoughts had kept the sleep light.
After splashing water on his face from the bowl provided by the inkeep, he dressed, gathered his bundled armor and soon left the village far behind.

Two days came and two days went. Cerus was road weary but had slept well the second night nestled in the roots of an ancient tree well off the road. When he arose, he dug a shallow hole at the base of the tree and buried his armor bundle. A few more miles down the road he would be crossing into Decanti lands and his armor would identify him as a Hectan warrior. In simple peasant's clothing he would be able to pass with little more than a glance...he hoped.

Tucking the pouch into his shirt he found his way back to the road and continued on the final, two day leg of his journey to Salaris.

 

[Mistress]

Already it seemed as if Rose’s tea was helping with the morning sickness, Flora sipped on it while watching out the picture window of the Inn. She breathed a loud sigh and leaned against the cool glass. The air was turning very humid; soon spring would be just a thought as the summer’s heat would take over. “Heavy thoughts weigh down a light heart.” Haywyn spoke up from behind her.

Flora turned and smiled softly, “It could be the other way around, an heavy heart weighs down light thoughts eh?”

He hugged her and kissed her cheek then gazed out into the streets, “Ye be worried about Gilas, it has been longer then usual has it not?”

“Aye.” She laid her head upon his shoulder and blinked back tears, “They should have been back by now. I’m afraid of bad spirits looming about.”

“I feel it too.” He whispered and laid his head upon hers, “Something else troubles you as well. I know you do not sleep well, I have heard your cries outside of your door at night.”

Flora looked up at him and her eyes teared up as she buried her head in his chest, “I feel lost.”

He led her over to a table and sat across from her, gripping her hand reassuringly, “This is not you Flora, never have I seen you so torn. Please tell me what I must do to make you happy again?”

She wiped away the tears and shrug, “I do not know if anyone can do anything.”

Haywyn frowned and squeezed his aunt’s hand, “If you do not tell me, your best friend and nephew, then how will I be able to solve the problem?”

“You can not!” She laughed suddenly and shook her head, “Haywyn, I am with child.”

A look of surprise crossed his chiseled features and he stuttered, “I..child…but..By Gods Flora! This is great news!” He jumped up and hugged her tightly then thinking again stepped back, "Oh, I hope I did not hurt you?”

“Nay fool!” She smiled brightly and hugged him again, then she looked at him sternly, “This is just between us for now, I am not ready to let the others know just yet.”

He looked at her with confusion, “Why not?”

“I have my reasons Wyn, please, I ask of ye do not share our secret just yet?”

“I shall not then, between you and I it is.” He smiled and nodded.

 

[Wanderer D]

A simple flagpole carrying the standard of the Decanti Tribe marked his crossing into the lands of his enemies. The hardpacked road was otherwise empty of traffic.
Enemies. That word had little meaning to him anymore. All of the fighting and bloodshed for what? An insult. Two generations of men dying because one Chieftan's son insulted the other by refusing to marry his daughter. Refusal led to insult, insult lead to challenge and challenge led to death.
Cerus wished he could shrug off the weight of so many deaths and bury it like he did the armor.
By midday Cerus had met a main road leading Northeast. Only the occasional patrol, lightly armored swordsmen who carried themselves as if they would never see battle, indicated the Hectan warrior was in Decanti lands. They never gave him a second glance. Just another ghost like all the others he passed on his way to Salaris.

"Dorgors."
The barkeep put a wooden mug under the tap and poured the bitter ale. "Two," the heavy, grey-haired man muttered. Cerus slid him two 'cuts', the pressed copper shards that served as money for those who would never see silver pass through their hands. "Pretty far North, aren't you?" Cerus looked up at the barkeep but didn't say anything. "Not that I care, money is money." The old man leaned closer, "I just don't want any trouble." His voice was low, but neither subdued nor threatening.
Cerus shook his head, "No trouble, just passing through to Salaris." He took a drink then looked into the man's eyes, "I hope I've left trouble behind for good."
"Need a room?" Cerus nodded.

He threw his clothes across the end of the small bed and threw himself onto the other end. If he figured right he should be in Salaris by early afternoon the next day. From there...he shook his head and held the small pouch up to stare at it until his eyes finally closed.

 

[Mistress]

“Come on Flora!” Aselia grinned and ran out into the lake’s cool water; she splashed the shore towards where Flora was sitting at. Her sun tanned flesh glittered with water drops in the sun, her Decanti Wife’s tattoo slightly faded and stretched from the years and of childbirth. She tried to splash her again, “Come on!”

Flora shook her head and smiled, “I think I’ll be sitting here on dry land for the moment.”

Aselia frowned, “Bah, you must learn to live child!”

“Child?” She scoffed, “Your not too much older then me, Aselia!”

The woman laughed and wiggled around in the water, “Come on then.”

Flora sighed and shook her head, a smile upon her pale features, “Fine, you’ll be the death of me yet!” She stood and slowly lifted the hem of her dress above her head and then waded up to her knees in the water. She shivered, “The water is way too cold Aselia!”

“Nay, it’s a beautiful day come on in!” the older woman giggled.

Flora walked out some more and laughed, “Its freezing!”

Aselia swam toward her and took her hand, “Once your in, it won’t be so cold…do you trust in me?”

“I do.” She nodded, shivering.

Aselia gripped her hands and then with a quick gasp they both dove under the water, coming up a moment later farther out. The women gasped and laughed splashing each other playfully. They were completely alone, enjoying themselves on the outskirts of Salaris. Guards were on post at the city gates, not more then a mile away, but the lake was hidden in the trees, so they had all the privacy they needed. Flora hugged Aselia and smiled, the older woman grinned, “Tis good to see your smile Flora, we have missed it.”

Flora looked away then nodded, “I must be letting the worrying get to me when I have no reason too. I am sure I am over reacting.”

“Aye.” Aselia wrapped her arms around Flora and held her closely as a mother would a child. “How long?”

Flora glanced up at her confused, “How long what?”

Aselia smirked and squeezed her, “How long have you been pregnant?”

Without a look of surprise Flora answered her, “Two moons. I believe the last time I saw Gilas was when the Gods blessed my womb.”

“Aye, why have you not said anything?”

“I was afraid too, and I guess, it was my own little secret for awhile, something that was just mine and no one else’s.”

Aselia nodded, “I understand that, but you should be proud, you’re carrying the child of a Decanti warrior, maybe a future warrior himself!” She smiled warmly.

“I think that’s why I was scared.” Flora answered flatly and pulled away swimming back towards the shore. She lay back upon the grassy ground and made herself comfortable under the shinning sun. The heat slowly drying the wetness of her pale skin, she turned onto her stomach and relaxed closing her eyes, blocking out the world around her. She pretended not to hear Aselia’s sigh and blinked back tears….

 

[Wanderer D]

Cerus stayed off the main road that day. After his encounter with the barkeep, he decided to at least keep his meetings with strangers to a minimum, at least until he got to Salaris.
The Hectan paused. He still had a hard time believing he was walking deep into Decanti territory to fulfill a promise to a dead man to deliver an empty pouch to a woman who would no doubt be distraught...and with a Hectan delivering the word of her husband's death, possibly enraged. What in the name of the gods was he doing?
Cerus sighed. Fulfilling a promise. No living person knew of it except him. The only thing Cerus had left in this life was his honor and breaking a promise, even to a dead man, would stain that honor.

By his reconing he was close to Salaris. He had stayed well off the road, loosing sight of it occasionally but always paralleling it. Putting up his arm to push past the branches of a wide bush, he suddently stopped. At the shore of a small lake he saw two women laying in the sunlight.
And he had stepped out of the bushes right between them.

 

[Mistress]

Flora looked up and blinked away the blindness from the sun, she saw a frozen man staring down at her. He looked slightly travel worn, his pony tail coming loose around his face. His eyes were wide as if he had stumbled upon a ghost; she frowned as the man obviously stared. It wasn’t like a Decanti to stare openly at the naked form, for they were use to it, and never felt inhabited by clothing. She lifted up and eyed him, “You have strayed from the Road.” She said flatly, her defensive walls building up. This man was a stranger in her people’s land, and he obviously had the worn look of an ex warrior. The scars proved that alone, as well as his form, she stood and clutched her dress, protectively pulling it over her head. She didn’t understand why she suddenly felt threaten, which added all the more to her discomfort.

Aselia also pulled on her dress, but she only looked curiously upon the man, “Can we be of assistance?” She asked placing a hand on Flora’s shoulder.

He glanced back and forth between them for a moment, choosing his words carefully. Flora’s eyes were cold, her jaw set, her fists clinched, there was just something about this strange man that she did not like…what was it….

 

[Wanderer D]

Cerus wasn't sure if he was more surprised by the women's presence or lack of clothing, he finally realized he was staring and looked away.

"I..I am sorry. I didn't realize there was somebody here." He looked out over the lake. It wasn't the lake he saw and he flushed with embarrassment.

"I was headed to Salaris," he cleared his throat. "I'm sorry for the intrusion," he turned toward them when he was sure they were clothed. Cerus saw anger in the younger woman's eyes and felt his face grow warm again. Even angry he saw she was a beautiful woman. "I should go now."

 

[Mistress]

“Wait, we are from Salaris, we can walk with you.” Aselia spoke up quickly, ignoring the glare Flora shot in her direction. She smiled warmly, never one to be rude to anyone, stranger or not, “Just give us a moment to gather our things.” She turned and found her sandals and then threw Flora hers.

Flora slid her feet into her sandals and crossed her arms over her chest; she flipped her hair back out of her face and stared at the man. “What business do you have in Salaris?” Her eyes caught his and she took in a breath, then she tore them away.

Aselia snapped at her quickly, “Shush child! His business is not ours to know! Please excuse her.” She appoligiesed, holding out her hand to the man, “I am Aselia, my husband runs an Inn in town, you can find food and rest there if you would like.”

Flora turned away and headed towards the road, not bothering to speak to the man, she ignored the strange feeling she got whenever he looked into her eyes. She muttered under her breath to herself, listening to Aselia try to make small talk. The three walked along the road, soon coming to the gates of Salaris. Once at the Tavern, Flora headed to her room, slamming the door behind her. Lunus looked at Aselia and the man, “what was that about?”

“She is in a mood.” Aselia giggled and wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck. “She’ll be ok.”

He kissed her forehead and pulled away, “I must work woman, big super tonight eh?”

“Aye, I think we may have something to celebrate.” She said playfully, hinting at Flora’s secret.

Lunus eyed her curiously but said nothing, shaking his head, “’Ello, I’m Lunus, help can I help ye?” He nodded to the stranger.

 

[Wanderer D]

"Wait, we are from Salaris, we can walk with you."

Cerus glanced hesitantly from one woman to the other.

"Just give us a moment to gather our things."

He realized it would be more suspicious if he denied her invitation...not to mention rude.

"What business do you have in Salaris?" Yes, she was quite lovely...and very angry. Her anger confused him a bit. He literally stumbled upon them, an accident. Perhaps it was just a reaction to being caught unclothed. Cerus could feel his face turn red once more. His own reaction confused him too. When her eyes met his he wasn't sure how to answer her. Luckily her friend cut in and spared him further awkwardness.

"Please excuse her. I am Aselia, my husband runs an Inn in town, you can find food and rest there if you would like."

"My thanks, Aselia," the angry woman turned away and headed towards the road. "Please," he said quietly as they followed her, "Let her know I'm sorry if I embarrassed or insulted her in some way."

They entered town without incident. The young woman pointedly ignoring him the entire way. Once at the tavern she stalked away and Cerus heard a door slam. He found himself a seat as Aselia greeted the man he assumed was her husband. Shortly he came over to Cerus.

"’Ello, I’m Lunus, can I help ye?"

"Well met, Lunus. Aselia said I might find a meal and a room here." He saw Lunus nod. "It would be well appreciated, anything you have will do." Cerus glanced briefly in the direction the young woman disappeared. "It has been a long trip."

 

[Mistress]

“Aye, you look it too.” Lunus smiled warmly, “And don’t let me baby sister intimidate you, she has a way of doing that. She is not herself lately; her husband being off to war has caused her much grief it seems.” He said handing Cerus a bowl of meaty stew. Then he filled up a mug with ale, “So many women are lonely at this time, I do believe my wife is thankful that me knee gave out and I can no longer fight along side of the others.”

He nodded to the younger man, “Eat, rest up, when you’re finished I will show you to a room.”

Cerus nodded, his mind racing with what the man had said about so many women being lonely with their husbands off to war. Then his mind switched gears and he began thinking about the woman, and the fact that she was married as well. He had not noticed a token of marriage upon her at all, which made his job of finding this ‘Flora’ more difficult. Stuttering he asked curiously, “I am not familiar with your customs; I admit, how would I know whether a woman was married or not?”

Lunus grinned and winked, “Well Decanti wives are marked for life, they wear a tattoo upon their lower back. A younger wife who has not bore children; such as my sister, normally wears a traditional skirt that hugs low to her hips, defining her womanly shape and showing off the tattoo. They wear these skirts on special days, and at Clan gatherings. Other then that the only other way is to see them unclothed, which is more common then I am sure you would think, Decanti’s are not inhibited by clothing. We see the body as beautiful in all shapes and sizes.” Lunus explained, watching as the young man’s eyes strayed off towards where he had last seen Flora go. A knowing smile briefly crossed his face, “She is beautiful, but hot headed more then most, believe me, you should be happy she is married.”

Cerus’ cheeks flushed red again as he looked away from the man. It was not like him to be so embarrassed easily, nor was it like him to get so caught up in a Decanti’s story. He cleared his throat, “It was out of curiosity.”

Lunus chuckled deeply, “Aye I am sure it was.”

 

[Wanderer D]

Cerus finished his stew in silence and didn't object when Lunus refilled his mug. A brief light-headed feeling reminded him that it had been a long time since he had enjoyed ale of any sort. The warrior never drank on the battlefield. He didn't like the way it muddied his senses.

Finishing the second ale he sat back to let the food settle in his stomach. When his head nodded once he shook it then nodded to Lunus. "I think I am ready for that room now."

Lunus grinned and nodded back. "Aye, follow me." Cerus let the man guide him to one of the rooms and entered when Lunus opened the door. "Get some rest now. We'll settle up later."
Cerus nodded, "My thanks." His head felt light and he found his way straight to the bed. Lunus grinned again and shut the door for his guest.

He lay back and let his breath out in a loud sigh. Much more tired than he realized, and having drank two mugs of ale, sleep quickly overcame the Hectan. Cerus' last thought was that he didn't even know her name yet.

 

[Mistress]

By morning Aselia had let the secret out of the bag and had informed the family of Flora’s pregnancy. The woman was never one to hold onto secrets too long, she never had been. Flora knew this however, and she knew it would save her from having to bring it up herself. She was feeling anxious about the pregnancy, she still felt as if something was wrong but she couldn’t figure out what and that was driving her crazy. Barely sleeping through the night she was up early and already sitting in a tub of warm water, trying to ease her rambling thoughts. After nearly an hour she finally decided she was not going to let these thoughts get to her and that she was going to try her best to be her normal self. Snorting out loud however she shook her head and climbed out of the bath, her pale skin glowing in the light coming through the window of her room.

She headed over to her closet and sorted through her dresses, looking for something light to wear on an already humid day. She stopped and stared at one of her favorite skirts, it was traditional style, hugging low on her hips to show off her tattoo. Woven of red and indigo fibers, form fitting, with slits up the sides to give her room to walk, she had not worn this one in years, the last time being not long after Gilas had married her. The first time he went off to war she had placed it lovingly in her closet and it had remained there since. Feeling nostalgic of who she use to be, she pulled it out and slipped it on, it still fit, maybe just a tad bit tighter along the hips but it still looked good. She turned admiring herself in it, a small giggle escaped her and she hurriedly looked through her trunk for the matching material she used as a top. It wrapped around her back, criss-crossed over her breasts and then pulled up behind her neck and latched with a gold clasp. Then finding the gold clasp belt with tiny shells she put it over the band of the skirt, her beaded sandals completed the look much to her satisfaction. She ran her fingers through her hair, separating the curls then pulled the sides up on top of her head, holding it there with another gold clasp. Gilas had brought the gold clasps to her the night he had asked her to marry him, they were very special to her.

Sighing she turned in a circle and grinned at how she thought she looked, already the outfit seemed to have a youthful effect on her as she bounced out of the room and down to the Tavern. She smiled brightly as she heard the whispers begin as she exited the staircase. Lunus and Thad looked her way and their faces literally glowed as they saw her approach.

Thaddeus smiled and said softly, loud enough for only his father to hear, “She’s beautiful.”

“Aye that she is son that she is.” Lunus nodded his eyes taking in his baby sister, “It seems as if she has dropped years Thad, I think today shall be a good day.”

Flora placed a hand on her flat stomach and breathed in deeply, “We shall make it a good day child.” She whispered before reaching her brother and nephew.

 

[Wanderer D]

Cerus yawned and stretched the stiffness out of his limbs. Light streamed into his room and he realized he had slept longer than he had in a very long time. 'I needed that,' he said to himself. The next thing he realized was that he needed a bath. 'But first something to eat.' He pulled the leather tie from his hair and ran his fingers through the tangles, grimacing as he hit snag after snag. He threw the tie on the bed and threw on his only 'clean' pants and loose jerkin. Clean meant they spent most of the time at the bottom of his small pack because he had never worn much beyond his under-padding and armor during the months on the front lines. It felt good to wear something less constricting for once.

The small pouch lay next to the bed where he had placed it the previous day. He stared at it for a long while then finally picked it up only to stare at it again. Sighing, he picked up his hair tie and used it to lash the pouch to his arm just above his bicept where his sleeve would keep it hidden. It didn't really matter any more what was in it, it was the pouch itself he had to keep safe until it found its way home again.

Home again. Cerus tried to conjure up a memory of what that meant. Try as he might he could only think of the last time he had seen his wife. No, there was no home for him. Not any more.

Lunus was standing with another man roughly Cerus' age and the fiery young woman he had met the day before. He nodded politely to her, trying desperately not to stare. She was beautiful and the clothing she wore only made her moreso. It took all his will to turn quickly to Lunus, maybe too quickly, and greet the tavern owner. "Morning to you."

"Morning," Lunus smiled at his guest. "You look well rested. Would you like something to break fast with."

"Exactly my thoughts. Thank you." The warrior caught himself looking again at the woman and hastily found a chair to turn his attention to... then a table... a mug...

 

[Mistress]

She froze when she heard his voice, her eyes turning to him as he spoke to her brother, then she watched as he sat down and tried to stare at everything he could in order to avoid her gaze. This almost made her giggle but then she remembered her unusual dislike of the man and she cleared her throat then smiled as Thaddeus placed his hand on her stomach. “Goodness, I still can’t get over you being a mother!”

Flora laughed at how excited he was, “It’s not like it’s the first time you’ve been around it you goat!”

Lunus chuckled, “Aye, but it will be the first time me little sister is with child and THAT is special woman!” He picked Flora up and spun her around in a circle, she squealed….

“Oh my Gods, Lunus put me down!” She struggled out of his arms and held her hands firmly on her stomach, her shade turning a bit green as she composed herself. She glanced back at Cerus and saw him avoiding her still, but she knew he had been watching and had heard.

At that moment Aselia entered the Tavern and she grinned brightly, “Flora! You’re up early!”

Flora turned and hugged her sister-in-law, “Aye couldn’t sleep all that much, today is a good day though!” They both smiled warmly, clasping each other’s hands.

 

[Wanderer D]

Flora. Now he knew the gods hated him. Her name was Flora.
Cerus found his way to the bar and sat down. He barely remembered to nod his thanks when the plate of food was set in front of him. An optimistic person would say 'How lucky it is I found the very woman I was looking for.' Cerus, on the other hand, was thinking 'Strike me dead now.'
Stumble upon a very naked, very angry and very beautiful woman who just happens to be the wife (widow) of the man (of an enemy clan) who spared his life and set the price as delivering the news (and a pouch) to that same very naked, very angry and very beautiful woman.

"Just strike me dead."

"What was that?" Lunus looked over at the warrior's untouched food. "Is there something wrong with-"

"No no," Cerus forced himself to take a bite of the food. Actually it was good and he found his appetite again. "I was just talking to myself." Lunus smiled and turned away to rejoin his family.

Bite, chew, swallow. Repeat. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Giving this woman the new might very well grant his wish. It wouldn't surprise him if she just took a kitchen knife and stabbed him when he finally delivered the news. Worse yet, she was in a good mood...and with child. Cerus could feel the pouch tied to his arm getting very, very heavy.

 

[Mistress]

Flora’s attention strayed from her family and to the stranger; she blinked while looking him over. The features of his face looked strained, to where just moments before he looked well rested. This aroused her curiosity and she turned away from Asleia and headed in his direction. She looked down at him as he quickly ate the food Lunus had brought him. She just stood there watching him, when she saw him look up at her through the fallen strands of his hair she gave him a dazzling smile, “Food good, yes?”

He almost choked from her smile, and strain to speak while coughing, “Yes, very good.”

“Lunus is a good cook, he always has been, had to be after our mother died.” She tilted her head to the side, still watching him, which seemed to make his cheeks flush red. She slightly smiled and slid into the chair across from him, leaning towards him she said softly, “I am sorry if I have been rude, times have been bad for me. Though it is no excuse to act so mistrustful when it is not in my nature. For that I am truly sorry.”

 

[Wanderer D]

Once his shock at her sudden change in attitude toward him was gone, Cerus nodded and returned the smile, "And I am sorry for...stumbling upon you and Aselia like I did. I should have payed more attention to where I was going."

There was a moment of awkward silence then both of them grinned and the tension broke. Cerus took another bite of his meal, "This really is good." He swallowed then looked at her again, "My name is Cerus."

"Flora," she replied with another smile.

"That is a beautiful name." Cerus felt the awkwardness come over him again, for a different reason. He opened his mouth to say something then closed it and looked back to his food. No, it could wait...at least for a little while.

 

[Mistress]

She felt her chest flutter strangely and she blushed, “Thank you; besides a great grandmother who was not Decanti, I am the only Decanti to ever have my name. It is not very traditional, but my mother loved the name, said it reminded her of the spring and of flowers.” She stopped speaking and drifted off in a memory then smiled, “I was born in a field of flowers near here; my mother was not one for tradition at times. It must be where I get my oddness; she said the flower spirits entered my soul at birth.”

He listened to her carefully, learning more about her, his ears perking up at the mention of her non Decanti grandmother. He had an urge to find out more about that later, but for now, he was mesmerized by her. Their eyes connected again and he felt his own cheeks redden, clearing his throat he stuttered, “Well blessings on your pregnancy.”

Flora slightly smiled and glanced around, almost ignoring the comment, her eyes taking on a blaze of their own, “I could eat a horse; I MUST get me some food.” She smiled at him and then jumped up hurrying off to the kitchen.

 

[Wanderer D]

There was little doubt left that this was the Flora he was looking for. She had answered his unspoken question quite clearly. Cerus absently ate his meal, his thoughts racing chaotically. Now that he had experienced the happier side of the woman, he was loathe to change her mood so quickly. But how long could he keep the news of her husband's death from her?

He was chewing the last bite of his meal when she returned with a plate full of food. The plate clanked loudly as Flora set it on the table and returned to the chair opposite the warrior. She smiled again and began eating just as Cerus pushed his plate back and took a drink. His eyes followed her movements for a moment before their eyes met and a hint of a smile crossed Cerus' face and he looked away. He would keep his promise to the dead Decanti warrior...but it could wait at least a day.