Helping the help (pm me first before posting please)

[Micahiel]

Helping yourself to the help (closed for Makitsu_Trinity)

Name: Devon Oren Masterson
Occupation: Blacksmith/ Farm Hand/ Gardener for the Royal family
Age: 18
Height: 6'3
Weight: 245 lbs
Build: Muscular but not big and bulky
Hair: Jet Black in a pony tail down just past the shoulders
Eyes: Crystal Blue


Setting: The year is 1066 right after the battle of Hastings and the town is located in Bedfordshire not far from the battle area. Life in town has been very relaxed considering the war which had previously ravaged the landscape and left it's people scared and unmotivated. The exception was a young man by the name of Devon. He seemed determined to help anyone and everyone in any way he was capable. Fixing bridges, porches, chimneys were common. He had a knack for masonry, blacksmithing, and gardening which people often sought his help.

A nobleman came into town one day from where no one knew, but his intentions were clear. He came in and attacked a group of people for no reason and Devon rushed to help with only his blacksmith hammer and gardening shears as weapons. As one soldier was about to strike down a villager he jumped over the horse watering trough and threw the shears with deadly accuracy which flew through the air and stabbed the soldier's hand and pinned it to the wall beside him.

"I do not know what you seek good sir but hurting these people will only discredit you and your family."

The remaining soldiers rushed to grab the boy and even with his strength he could not handle all of them. He took down the first four with his hammer before getting overwhelmed and restrained.

The noble man got off of his horse and walked over. " Hold him" He had ordered and as they did he firmly slapped him. "Why do you attack my men boy? I could have you executed for this."

The boy spit a mouthful of blood at the man and said "Because there has been enough bloodshed in these lands and only cowards attack unarmed peasants." He paused a moment
"Sir" He added with authority and resentment.

The noble drew his sword and was about to run the boy through when an elegant female voice filled the town centre. "Stop". The voice said and the man immediately sheathed his sword and turned dropping to one knee as a woman of maturity and her daughter were standing there.

She lightly touched the boy's handsome face and smiled. "No harm shall befall this boy or any one in this town am I understood Roderick?" The noble man without looking up said "Yes my queen"

She said to the soldiers "Release him but bring him with us"

It was a long and quiet carriage ride for the man sat there shirtless as the two women kept looking him up and down whispering to one another. They arrived at the castle and he was escorted to a very well maintained room and given fresh clothes to wear. He changed and wondered what fate was waiting for him as he sat on the bed for an hour when the doors to his room opened and a woman was standing there. He knew not whether it was the queen or her daughter but he awaited to hear from her.

 

[Makitsu_Trinity]

Name: Karina Cordelia Fuchs
Occupation: Nobility
Age: 21
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 179
Build: Lean, but not thin. Toned for riding and archery, despite her mother's objections
Hair: Auburn, swept out of her face, falling to her lower back
Eyes: Ice blue

It had been a beautiful day for riding. Karina sat tall and proud, though slightly dejected, within the confines of the carriage. She watched the countryside roll by and cursed silently. She thought of her bow and quiver secretly wrapped up in her trunk for safe keeping. Her mother never would have let her bring them along, but an archer must stay sharp, lest their reflexes become weak.

As for riding, Lady Fuchs had said that was out of the question. It would not do at all to have the daughter of a noble family arrive covered in mud and sweat like some stable boy. Rina huffed quietly catching Lady Fuchs' attention. The lady lay the needlework she was crafting down in her lap and folded her hands.

"A lady does not huff," she scolded gently. "Nor does she gaze forlornly off into the distance like some empty-headed dreamer. Pull yourself together, Karina. We are almost there."

Rina sat straight again and looked down at the book she'd been attempting to read since they'd started out that morning. She was just finding her place again when the carriage stopped. She looked up at her mother, confusion written plainly across both their faces. Lady Fuchs moved aside one of the curtains and peered out. There was a commotion, some screaming, and then Lord Fuchs came into view, approaching a young man, whom the soldiers had restrained. Rina watched as her father unsheathed his sword.

She was surprised however, when her mother opened the carriage door and called out.

"Stop," Lady Fuchs commanded. All the men looked up, and even Lord Fuchs stopped what he was doing, for though he could be unreasonable, he adored his wife and daughter and respected their every wish. "Release him, but bring him with us."

Still, wearing her confused look, Lady Fuchs sat back down, across from her daughter and looked at her as if Rina could explain her behavior. Before either of them could speculate on a rational explanation, the young man was riding between them. Rina was intrigued, but of course, being the young lady she'd been raised to be, she kept her mouth shut, only stealing sideways glances in his direction.

The rest of the ride went by in silent brooding as each was wrapped up in their own thoughts. Upon arrival at the castle, Lady Fuchs instructed their host's servants to find a room for the boy and house him there until she figured out what to do with him.

That being done, she, Rina, and Lord Fuchs were bustled into the main hall to be greeted by their host. Rina looked around. The last time she'd made the trip here, she'd been tiny. The greetings and dinner were all she'd been permitted to take part in. She took in the look of the great hall and tried to hide her amazement.

It wasn't long before a fat, balding man, looking to be in his late sixties, came out, greeting both her parents with warm embraces. Lord MacGuire had been close friends with the Fuchs family for many years, and, it was rumored, even had fought Lord Fuchs for his lady's hand, though obviously Lord Fuchs had proven the better man. "It has been too long, Fuchs, you old rat," the man said, clapping Lord Fuchs on the back. "And m'lady," he followed, bowing to plant an affectionate kiss on her mother's palm. "Causing trouble already, I hear. Apparently there is some village ruffian being stored in one of my spare rooms."

His laughter rang through the room and he was not at all hindered by the fact that no one shared his mirth. When he was sober again, he sighed heavily. "What has this boy done that he has been taken into custody?"

Her father was quick to explain it, leaving out the fact that his men had started the brawl. Rina bit her cheek, fighting to hold tongue and temper in check. It was Lady Fuchs who finally broke in and set things straight.

"Well, I suppose we can not let his actions go unpunished," Lord MacGuire mused. "He will recieve the appointed number of lashings for being involved in a fight, but we will overlook the assault charge."

"I do believe," Lady Fuchs boldly interjected, "That you should 'overlook' the whole affair as my husband's foolish, prideful men were just looking for blood."

Rina couldn't listen to anymore. She quietly excused herself from the meeting and wandered down the hall a little ways. The first servant she came across, she inquired after the young man. Taking mental note of the directions the maid gave her, she set off in search of him.

 

[Micahiel]

As he sat in his dimly lit room which was provided he reviewed the day's events and smiled warmly at a thought.

He had nodded in approval of the girl's actions in defending him to that repugnant man he could not help but feel a slight sense of fear running through him as he knew women were not permitted to speak out against a lord.

As his door opened he knew not whether it was a trap or some thing else. He stood with his head lowered in respect as he momentarily caught a glimpse of her beauty and spake only one word.

"Milady?"

He bowed in respect and dropped to one knee as she approached.

 

[Makitsu_Trinity]

Rina tried to keep her composure, but she did approach and lay a hand on his shoulder. "Please get up. There's no need for formalities with me. I'm not a lady yet."

She moved across the room to chair before the fireplace. "Do you mind? I have nothing better to do today. I thought we could talk a little."

 

[Micahiel]

He felt the warmth and softness of her delicate hand as it touched him as he looked up his eyes meeting hers for the first time. He could not help himself but be in awe of the beauty standing there. Her elegant and sensual voice caught his ear as he arose before her.

He took her hand in his as he helped her sit then he knelt down and lit the fire to keep her warm. "How art thou milady? I thank thee for thy kind words on my behalf if ever I might return thy kindness I would not hesitate to do so"

He stood there before her unsure as to what to say his nervousness overwhelming him as he spake the only thing he could muster in her presence.

"Truly the Gods personally made thee milady for the heavens themselves pale next to thy beauty"

He could not believe he just said that and pondered what punishment was to befall him for his boldness unaware he was to be publicly whipped on the morrow

 

[Makitsu_Trinity]

Rina could not hide the blush that came to her cheeks at such bold speech. She had never been spoken to in such a manner, and it was a little unsettling.

"Please, don't," she pleaded. "I'm not a lady, as I know I clearly stated. I just came to say," caution and careful choice of words caused her voice to tremble just slightly, "I was impressed today. You fight bravely, sir. Pray tell, why? Certainly not all the men my father attacked are family and close friend, so why fight so hard to defend those you know not would do the same?"

Rina checked herself there, afraid of being more blunt than she'd already been and upsetting the young man. It was already wrong for her to be here. Servants tongues do flap and she was alone in a room with a stranger, male no less. Anyone could think or say anything, and that would be the end of her reputation and the respect of her parents. Should he raise a ruckus, due to something she did or said, it would only complicate things more.

 

[Micahiel]

He looked her in the eyes as she asked her question and was slightly shocked by it. He reached out and took her hand in his own.

"I will always show thee proper respect until proven otherwise and so far tho hast been a lady in every way"

He paused a moment completely lost in her beauty as he slowly pulled her closer their lips mere inches from touching their eyes locked as he whispered to her

" As for thy in query milady"

He paused thinking of how much he wanted to kiss her as her scent was heavenly and her skin softer than French silk

"One man fighting for what he believes in is stronger than a hundred trained soldiers"

He pulled his hand away from hers and sat back holding one finger to his lips in a be quiet motion as he looked to the door which followed shortly by a knock and he scooted away from her showing off just how perceptive he is.

"Sweetheart are you in there?"

The Queen's voice filled the room as the door began to open

 

[Makitsu_Trinity]

Rina's blue eyes grew as she watched him draw closer. She felt her blood rise to her cheeks and tried not to inhale too deeply of his scent, lest her senses leave her completely.

She started a little as he pulled away and when she heard a knock on the door, followed by her mother's voice, she jumped again, feeling her stomach twist with exciting tension at the possibility of being caught.

"Sweetheart? Are you in there?" The lady poked her head in, spying her daughter with the speedy accuracy of an hunting hawk. "There you are. You must hurry along and dress for dinner. The Lord is expecting us at seven exactly." With that, she threw the door open wide to expose the two and stood impatiently at the threshold waiting for her daughter.

Rina stood reluctantly and nodded her farewell to the young man.

"It was very nice to meet you, though I do not believe I caught your name."

 

[Micahiel]

He stood taking her hand in his pressing his lips tenderly to the back of it and then smiled a smile that melted her heart

"My name"

He paused a moment staring into her eyes as his mind raced and his thoughts lingered on her beautiful voice

"I never threw my name for you to catch"

He paused again unsure as to proper etiquette and winked

"Perhaps if you would do me the honor of saving me a dance tonight I might share it with you but for now I thank you for your comforting words this day and I pray the Gods see fit to offer me that dance you go with your mother for now"

He held the door for her and shut it behind her watching in enamor as she walked away from him

 

[Makitsu_Trinity]

Sitting in her room, Rina glared at her reflection in her mirror. The maids had already finished dressing her and the fitted bodice of her gown caused her trouble when she tried to breathe. The youngest of the two maids had somehow managed to bind her corset strings so tight, she feared she'd faint before the evening had barely begun.

Being used to the country style dresses of her homeland, she was unaccustomed to the confining material pressed against her skin at this time. How was a woman to shoot a bow or mount a horse with the ridiculous cascades of satin spilling from her waistline? She huffed again just as her mother entered.

"My darling Karina," she exclaimed, shooing the maids out and taking the brush up in her own hand. "You look lovely, my child." Rina smiled softly, more moved by the affection and pride in her mother's voice than by her words. "I have a favor to ask of you, dear," Lady Fusch confided, her face and voice taking on a very court-like tone. "Tonight, at the reception feast, I wish for you to keep a close eye on that young man we brought with us today. I don't believe what he did was entirely wrong, but we cannot risk the chance of an uprising during our visit. It will undermine your father's position as well as our host's."

Rina had frozen, not sure that she'd heard her mother correctly. She tried to turn to look at her, but Lady Fusch held her in place and continued brushing a strand of auburn hair until it shone like the rest. She then absent mindedly began braiding as she msued quietly, "He seems to have taken some liking to you and you to him, so it should not be too unpleasant for you to entertain him. I expect you to stay close to him and make sure he is happy, but observed."

Rina, who'd already been plotting to stay close to the handsome stranger, was appalled now that it was to be a guard's mission. She scowled and watched as her mother pinned a few tiny braids in flowing patterns over her head, fastening them with silver hair pins and flowers. Rina dutifully bit down on both lips to bring out their natural color and tried to take a deep breath, her lungs hitting the confining corset.

"I will do my best not to disappoint you, Mother," she answered, and together they left to join the crowd gathering in the main hall.

 

[Micahiel]

The king stood before those assembled and with his wife and daughter by his side he addressed his guests after hugging his daughter and giving his wife a kiss.

"Ladies and gentlemen friends and guests I welcome you here this evening and hope you enjoy tonight's entertainment as much as I enjoy providing it."

He stepped forward and bowed in respect to his guests before ordering his minstrels to play something energetic

"We shall dance and then eat and then I have a bit of a surprise for you all please enjoy yourselves until then."

He sat at the table next to his wife and watching his guests dance then smiled devilishly at his daughter motioning her to look out across the room as the man she had spent time talking with is brought in wearing a very form fitting suit but is shackled with a collar and forced onto his knees at sword point

"Do not make a scene my child or I will have him run through"

 

[Makitsu_Trinity]

Karina raised herself high in her seat and looked her father in the eye.

"I have been asked to personally escort our guest tonight, Father. With that in mind, what would you consider a scene?"

That being said, she rose from her seat and walked away, head held high, even though her bottom lip quivered. She made her way around the tables to the far end of the room where the mysterious man sat. She was lucky enough to find a seat right beside him and claimed it quickly before some empty headed lady servant could steal it from under her.

"How are you feeling this evening? Is everything to your liking? The food, the wine, the entertainment?"

 

[Micahiel]

The man sat with his head hung low unsure as to whether or not he should respond. He tugged at his wooden restraints attempting to take a bite of his food. Unwilling to be used for amusement he stood and looked at the king his hips a mere two inches from her face as he called out.

"So if I am to be entertainment this evening unshackle me and let's get this over with"

He looked down into her eyes lovingly and smiled the warmest he knew how

"After I win this fight might we take a walk?" His whisper to her was riddled with confidence

 

[Makitsu_Trinity]

Rina nodded discreetly and tried not to worry as she watched him rise. She noticed the evil glint in her father's eye and as much as she tried to convince herself otherwise, she knew exactly what was going to happen and it infuriated her. However, this was something she could not say a thing about. She had been defiant towards her father once, but to do so twice would bring consequences.

She sat back in her chair, and chewed her thumbnail as she watched, trying to look indifferent, knowing she was failing.

 

[Micahiel]

The man was surrounded by a group of ten men which took turns attacking one at a time as the king had ordered. The man effortlessly defended against their attacks receiving a few cuts here and there but nothing life threatening and surprisingly he disarmed them one at a time without killing a one but knocking them out instead.

The king could not help but appreciate this man's skill in combat and stood up holding a hand up to make the men stop attacking as he looked to his daughter.

"Should I let this man live my sweet?"

The men held the man in the middle of the room awaiting the king's orders as he spoke with his daughter.