Hunted (Open - please PM before joining)

[cgraven]

"Well, I bid thee welcome to the clearing, then. We have, I think, finished with the stream for now. I fear my lady and I will not long provie thee with company, as we are set to move from here as soon as we have supped and packed, but I'm sure you're welcome to our fire until then."

I consider his words as I watch his sword point drop but, dance in slow lazy circles. This is no callow fool, but a seasoned man. Her trail had led me north, steadily, from the inn, to the barn, to their meeting, to this seldom used path, always north towards the “Marcher lands along the English and Welsh border. Where a man of ambitions could carve out a fife of his own, a law unto himself if his arm be strong enough and his heart gracious enough to attract followers.

“ Pry pardon my manners my name is Hue and I travel north to seek a spot by a friendly hearth as the winter season is coming on.”

Would he speak the truth or lie.

“And Pry which way lies the road for you and your lady?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Alexia Kenton

Alexia's initial unease had settled somewhat as she watched Brinn and.. Hue..? .. converse.
He had given no indication that they were not.... in fact the very reverse!

She shivered in the cold water, the chill now seeping into her body. She would be quite frozen if she did not leave that stream soon!

She looked beseechingly at Brinn, hoping for some aid, some way of exiting the water with an iota of modesty.

 

[cgraven]

“But I see I cause your lady some distress as I tarry her in conversation I shall avert my eyes so that she may become less ill at ease.

I avert my gaze to lessen the maiden’s distress, for there would be time a plenty to determine her guilt. These thoughts I kept masked from my new companions, trusting in the black demon’s senses to keep me from treachery.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Alexia Kenton

“But I see I cause your lady some distress as I tarry her in conversation I shall avert my eyes so that she may become less ill at ease."

Alexia was in turmoil.
The stranger very properly turned his back, but she knew that as her "man" she could not insist that Brinn did so.
Finally it was the cold that made her decision.
Studiously avoiding his eyes, she stood and waded out of the stream, the cold droplets running in rivulets down her skin.
Unable to speak a word that would betray the lack of... intimacy between them, she reached rapidly for the discarded garments, knowing that if they were cold and damp, they would afford little heat on the journey to come...

 

[Steiner]

Brinn flicked his eyes quickly to Alexia as she moved out of the water, caught his shirt on his sword tip and flicked it quickly to her.

"Make your way to the fire, dear one. The stranger and I will discuss the road ahead whilst you dress yourself for company, and the road."

He returned his attention to the stranger, noting with unease how well he sat his horse, and the quality of his gear and weapons. He was beginning to relax slightly, if this man had wanted him dead, likely enough he'd have first found out about it whilst dodging horse hooves in the water.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, good sir, I grow chilled."

Brinn quickly pulled on Trews, and boots. Folding his leather jerkin over his arm and balling his chain shirt up and lobbing it near the fire.

 

[cgraven]

"Make your way to the fire, dear one. The stranger and I will discuss the road ahead whilst you dress yourself for company, and the road."

His voice calls my attention to him as I here her light tread making away into the brush. Discreetly I turn my head back and edge my mount to face him still unsure of his intentions as no name has been shared and nameless men are always a danger as they may also be desperate men. I had given mine at least in portion.


“Ah yes the road ahead Sir shall we speak of that in pleasant companionship?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Alexia Kenton

Alexia gratefully captured the shirt Brinn sent in her direction and held it before her.

"Make your way to the fire, dear one. The stranger and I will discuss the road ahead whilst you dress yourself for company, and the road."

Alexia did not have to feign the blush and the soft look she threw Brinn at the endearment and the care he took over her modesty and welfare.

"Aye, my love,"

She whispered, finding the words forced breathlessly from her lips.
Scooping her own garments, she moved rapidly to the fire, with a soft smile of gratitude and... affection... for Brinn.

Despite her nervousness about the flames, Alexia felt her body quickly drying and warming, as Brinn's shirt clung to her body.
Alexia sat beside the fire, sure to look away from the flames as she pulled a comb through her long hair in an attempt to tease it into order and spread it out to rid it of the cool dampness that still remained from the stream water...

Content that she was quite dry and warmed, Alexia removed the shirt that had dried to her body and placed it carefully to continue warming beside the fire for Brinn. She then swiftly pulled on her garments, making herself decent once more ...

 

[Steiner]

"Some introductions perhaps? You might well fear you had come alone upon a masterless man of the woods! I am Brinn, known as Ceonheolm, a freebooter come from the South and also seeking situation for the Winter. This is my Lady." I gesture to Alexia as she sits by the fire combing her hair "She is called Alexia."

It requires little playacting to muster a smile of affection and warm regard, having said it, and having had her play along had made it feel as if the words were the truth, and I found the idea very appealing.

Aware that I had become a little too lost in the sight of her industriously combing away, I turned back to the stranger.

"We travel down yonder track (gesturing along our line of march) to visit my Lady's aunt, who has caught the winter fever. The summer was full of good plunder, and I anticipate a Winters ease before the road calls me back again in Spring for the resumption of the campaigning season."

 

[cgraven]

My manner easy as he speaks, my eyes smiling in recognition of his name, and the obvious affection he fells for the maiden, yet there is something forced in this situation, a desire to be true all that he said yet……

“Ah well met Brinn Ceonheolm for your name does precedes you……..Mistress Alexia sorrow for your aunts troubles………………… The chill of the night I fear still inhabits my bones Brinn.”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Alexia Kenton

Alexia returns the fond smile Brinn casts in her direction, no doubt introducing her formally. She looks up at the men, listening now to their discussion.

"We travel down yonder track to visit my Lady's aunt, who has caught the winter fever."

Alexia bends her head forward, as if to apply herself to a particularly stubborn knot in the neckline. She pales, her mind racing. She had not yet had time to tell Brinn the truth, to tell him that there were indeed no ailing aunt. It had all happened so quickly!
She prayed that the stranger would leave them before they reached the next settlement. She knew that Brinn would forgive her falsehood, but the stranger…
Where falsehood lay, questions would be asked.
She berated herself for the allowing the opportunity to have suspicion laid against them.

“Ah well met Brinn Ceonheolm for your name does precedes you……..Mistress Alexia sorrow for your aunts troubles…………………
The chill of the night I fear still inhabits my bones Brinn.”

Alexia raised her head, forcing a cheery smile to her face.
Her eyes flew worriedly to Brinn’s, hoping that he would make no further mention or engage in prolonged explanation about her “aunt”…

 

[cgraven]

“I pry your aunt does not reside in Campton Cross 10 leagues from her Lady for I have heard word that the town lies under quarantine and the kings Sheriff has sent bailiffs to turn away all who would enter.”

I cast out this, little falsehood, Yes I had sent bailiffs as I had said yet not a breath of the news was about the highway or byways as yet. If she rose to the bait to escape the nose then my suspicions would be confirmed, or would Brinn to shield her …. Only time would tell.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Alexia Kenton

“I pry your aunt does not reside in Campton Cross 10 leagues from her Lady for I have heard word that the town lies under quarantine and the kings Sheriff has sent bailiffs to turn away all who would enter.”

Alexia looked towards the stranger, her mind racing.
She did not know where Campton Cross lay... she decided to bluff.

"Campton Cross, you say Sir?... in truth I do not know... We were to enquire at the church for news... she lives alone ... mayhap she has been removed before now... I do indeed fear the worst... we had long lost touch... "

Alexia spoke softly, calmly, hoping her information would be vague enough to stand up to scrutiny.
She cast a quick glance in Brinn's direction wondering if he guessed, if he could aid her in her pretense...

 

[Steiner]

"Where is the courtesy one might expect from fellow travellers? I'm so sorry, sir, feel free to sit yourself at our fire - if it can be said to be ours for the mere price of gathering fallen wood! We were about to break fast - if you haven't eaten yet, please join us"

Brinn turned to the fire and moved back to the campsite, dropping armour and clothes into a pile near Alexia. He leaned down and kissed her "Thank you, my love, for warming my shirt." And he pulled the garment on over his head, smelling the scent of her on the linen.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Alexia Kenton

Alexia smiled at the stranger sat opposite her.
Brinn moved close and discarded his armour beside her.
Distracted by his actions, Alexia turned to watch him.
The kiss he planted on her lips took her breath away.
She desparately tried to act as if such a gesture were common place, but could not hold back the pink tinge which painted her cheek.

"Thank you, my love, for warming my shirt."

She smiled and spoke softly.

"I would not have you succumbing to the cold ... if it were in my power to warm you ... "

She watched him pull the garment over his torso, and smiled as he smoothed the material over his body.

 

[cgraven]

Her words vague but innocent enough.

Where is the courtesy one might expect from fellow travelers? I'm so sorry, sir, feel free to sit yourself at our fire - if it can be said to be ours for the mere price of gathering fallen wood! We were about to break fast - if you haven't eaten yet, please join us"

The kiss the pink flush on her maiden’s cheeks and again the sent of my pry. Casually I swung down from the black steed rubbing his nose running my hands along the midnight smoothness of is coat.

“I have already broken fast but if I could partake of your fire after tending my mount I would be most please of your hospitality.’

Discreetly I led my mount away just out of sight but not ear shot. Giving the couple space and hidden solitude.

 

[Steiner]

Brinn dressed quickly, now the stranger was absent. Quickly replacing his mail coat over his shirt and belting his sword in a fiarly accessible fashion.

Bending to Alexia he leaned down to her ear and whispered "That was well done. There is something about this one that sets me on edge - he seems courteous enough, but I think we'd better eat quickly and leave him to the fire."

Seating himself next to her he wondered if she remembered enough of her parents to know how a recently married couple acted. Deciding to set an example he pulled her into the circle of his arms, and broke a piece of bread off, popping it into her mouth.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Alexia Kenton

Alexia's eyes follow the stranger as he leads his horse away to busy himself with it's care.

She glances over at Brinn and bites her lip nervously, unwilling to speak.

She catches his eye and smiles nervously.

If only circumstances had not forced them to make this play as a couple ... she thinks... yet Brinn seems unperterbed by the need to dissemble and Alexia realises with a flush that being considered "his" is not an ... unattractive ... situation!

Alexia watches Brinn dress and belt his sword in place. She looks up as he bends to whisper.

"That was well done. There is something about this one that sets me on edge - he seems courteous enough, but I think we'd better eat quickly and leave him to the fire."

She glows at his praise and nods agreement.
She looks across at him as he seats herself at her side.
His bulk is reassuring and she instinctively moves closer.
She glances at him as she feels his arm wrapping about her and popping a piece of bread into her mouth.
Alexia smiles and eats, her hair brushing against him as she sits close... though she had thought herself too nervous to partake of a meal, sat thus, Alexia finds her appetite returning...

 

[cgraven]

The Dark Rider

Alone in the meadow he the black steed nuzzles Hues shoulder, ther voices carry faintly on the morning air

"That was well done. There is something about this one that sets me on edge - he seems courteous enough, but I think we'd better eat quickly and leave him to the fire."

The old monk had taught him well the path of duty, of the law, and justice . Hue placed his foot in the stirrup swing up into the saddle, he settled himself, and drew his sword. A nudge of his spurs, the black demon moved forward at a walk back towards their meager camp. Hue drew rein 6 paces from Alexia and Brinn.

His voice even, steady his decision made.

“Brinn Ceonheolm the road divides 5 leagues from here…….. one leads north to Campton Cross the other to Wales.”

He pauses looking from one to the other.

“Take the one to the left it will lead you to Wales. Where a man can earn his and his lady’s keep, in relative safety.”

Another pause,

“The other to sure destruction…….… Take your Lady to Wales.”

Hue salutes the lady Alexia

“I am Hue de Bois under sheriff of Shrewsbury sent to hunt a foul witch, I find that she is dead.”

Hue turns the Black Demon and gallops back down the track south towards home.

Yes the old monk had taught Hue de Bois well the path of duty, of the law, and justice. And justice had been served in Hue’s mind.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Alexia Kenton

Alexia looks up as the stranger approaches them.
His stride is wide, his step soft.
He looks to her than back to Brinn before speaking.

“Brinn Ceonheolm the road divides 5 leagues from here…….. one leads north to Campton Cross the other to Wales.”

Her eyes are locked on Hue’s. She dreads his next words.
Somehow… he must know.

“Take the one to the left it will lead you to Wales. Where a man can ear his and his lady’s keep, in relative safety.”

Alexia turns to watch Brinn who nods as if in understanding.

“The other to sure destruction…… Take your Lady to Wales.”

Hue crosses, his eyes journey over Alexia.
Saluting her, he speaks clearly.

“I am Hue de Bois under sheriff of Shrewsbury sent to hunt a foul witch, I find that she is dead.”

Her initial gasp is swallowed as his words sink in.
He knew and … had made his judgement… but how and why..?

Alexia lets relief sweep over her.
She turns to Brinn, her smile turning to embarrassment.
Would he now feel responsible for her?
He had been so kind! Being his lady had been so…
But she could not think of that now.

She spoke in a faint whisper;

”It seems I must to Wales… “

 

[Steiner]

Brinn gripped Alexia's shoulder slightly tighter. "If you go to Wales alone then you will surely be dead by Spring. It is a hard country, one I have campaigned in, and a woman alone will find many wishing to prey on her."

Leaning back further against the tree trunk and turning his head to smell the fragrance of her hair, Brinn spoke softly to her.

"But what of his tale, lady, for what reason does such a fell man, hunt such as thee?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Alexia Kenton

Alexia felt Brinn’s arm about her and felt his grip tighten.
She looked noting the quiet urgency in his voice.

"If you go to Wales alone then you will surely be dead by Spring. It is a hard country, one I have campaigned in, and a woman alone will find many wishing to prey on her."

She flushed as the words sunk in.
She was free.. but free for what? How would she fare?
Surely she could carve some type of future for herself?
Brinn had let his arm fall free of Alexia as if to give her time to reflect.
He turned towards her then, breaking the silence.
She could almost feel his breath as he made his soft enquiry.

"But what of his tale, lady, for what reason does such a fell man, hunt such as thee?"

Alexia drew a steadying breath and gazed into the fire,
a look of pain blurred her features.
How to begin to explain it all to Brinn?
She could tell him of her family, her loss, but he no doubt wanted the story behind her accusation, not "her" story...

”Are murderesses not usually hunted..?”

She tried to speak casually, but her voice quaked.
Again she heard the words, ”…foul witch…”
She risked a glance in Brinn’s direction.
Was he superstitious?
Did he believe the accusation?
The fire crackled and Alexia jumped.
Was that a prophetic sign?
She did not wish to end her days in fire!

”I am no witch … “

She whispered, wrapping her arms about herself.

”People suspect, fear what they do not understand… superstition makes the ignorant jump to conclusions … to be apart, to be… different… can become dangerous.”

 

[Steiner]

Brinn smiled gently "I am a travelled man, Alexia, I have seen much that the credulous who hide by their fires at night would call impossible. It takes a lot for me to call someone evil - I've seen true evil. Whatever else you may be, you are neither foul nor evil."

Brinn took her hands in his own. "I have nowhere to go, this winter. You have nowhere to go this winter. Perhaps we might go there together?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Alexia Kenton

Alexia raised her eyes to Brinn as she felt him brush against her arm. She expected to see... accusation? Yet he smiled gently, not to mock, but to reassure.

"I am a travelled man, Alexia, I have seen much that the credulous who hide by their fires at night would call impossible.
It takes a lot for me to call someone evil -
I've seen true evil. Whatever else you may be, you are neither foul nor evil."

Alexia smiled, grateful for Brinn's reassurance.
Fleetingly she wondered what evil he had found in the world. Their backgrounds were truly diverse.

She felt his hands close about hers; large, warrior's hands, she noted as they dwarfed her own.
Looking up at him, she was startled by the intense expression she saw there.

"I have nowhere to go, this winter. You have nowhere to go this winter. Perhaps we might go there together?"

She searched his eyes, and seeing that he was serious, Alexia's mind raced to weigh up the consequences of accepting his suggestion.

She would be safe with him, she surmised, yet what might he... expect of her... ?
What if there were others who came after her?
What if her presence brought them both into danger?
Yet.. what if that were true and she were alone?
What if she could find a future for herself, alone in Wales?
What if....?

All the questions, the possiblities fought for precedence.
Again, Alexia focused her attention on Brinn.
Still her waited, still he held her hands gently in his.
Her confusion dissipated.
Why think what she should do?
What did she want to do?

She smiled shyly.

"I'd like that Brinn... "

She gave a simple, soft response.

 

[Steiner]

Brinn leaned forward and kissed Alexia on the lips. Then he leaned back. "Well then, you'd best eat something, my lady - or you'll be limping come nightfall..."

He popped a piece of cheese into her mouth, hugged her close and then got up to pack a few pieces of his belongings from the night before. He wasn't sure how long this would last, or indeed how far it would go. For now he'd get her to Wales, maybe get her situated somewhere safe and then see what happened.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Alexia Kenton

Alexia flushed with pleasure as Brinn kissed her lightly on the lips.
There was no stranger to convince. This time she knew that the action was one he wanted to do, rather than was obliged to do, for appearence sake.

He moved back, his eyes dancing, watching her carefully.

"Well then, you'd best eat something, my lady - or you'll be limping come nightfall..."

Alexia smiled and nodded in agreement.
As he had done before, Brinn fed her a piece of cheese, but this time hugged her close. As she felt herself pressed against his body, his muscular body, the body she could now envision naked, she felt safe, cared for. The feeling was overwhelming. It had been so long since she had felt secure in any way.

As he withdrew, Alexia knew the sense of his words and forced herself to eat the meal that was laid before her.
Her eyes followed his movements as he gatehred his belongings.
She did not let herself think of the "what ifs".
The feeling might be temporary, it might be an illusion, but Alexia allowed herself the indulgence of believing herself "safe" for the first time...