Ransom

[Ambrosia_64]

Hoots and hollers announced the return of several bandits and their leader, a lean muscled, scarred man in his late thirties, wearing a dirty dark green tunic and leggings, a black cloak around his shoulders.

They rode in on a motley assortment of horses, slipping from their saddles with triumphant grins and laughter as George reached up for the blindfolded and gagged girl he'd been riding with, her delicate wrists tied tightly together in front of her. He pulled the blind fold off and the fear stricken young woman blinked at her unfamiliar surroundings in the middle of the large, thick wood-trying to back away from the bandit leader before he tugged her back towards him using the lead around her hands.

"Our latest payload, boys!" George barked, causing the girl to flinch. She was a smaller woman with light brown, almost honey blonde hair and matching honey hazel, large eyes. She wore a simple but lovely blue silk dress, one that clung to her slight curves. On her feet were matching pretty slippers that were now splattered with mud, much like the hem of her dress. Braided gold cording formed a belt around her slim waist, a delicate gold chain with a red stone hanging from around her neck. She wore no cloak.

"This is Lord Lyon's daughter, stolen right off of his lands!" He announced, grasping her by the upper arm and pulling her along with him none too kindly. "Picking flowers." He jeered. He strode into the circle that had been sitting around the large fire, shoving her forward. "Ain't she pretty?"

The girl didn't seem to know what to do with herself, stumbling forward and freezing in the dancing light of the flames, her eyes running along the men surrounding her. She was frightened. It wasn't hard to imagine why.

"Nobody touches her, boys. Not until daddy pays up." He pointed at a man and barked an order. "Take her to the cave and make sure she stays there!"

He turned to another, a man named Jonathan who could read and write. "You! Come help me write the letter." And he turned and strode into the large tent that served as a war room and meeting place, his own sleeping pallet in the corner. Most of the men slept in smaller tents or outside, though there was the small cave nearby for when it rained. Apparently soon to be occupied by the young lady.

 

[Master_of_RP]

"Heil the master, Heil the leader" echoed in the woods as the fellow bandits made their way into the camp after what was a successful and well thought out ploy by their leader George to abduct the only daughter of Lord Lyon.

It had taken George four years to realize his revenge on Lord Lyon after he was humiliated and beaten by Lyon's men for committing a petty theft and eventually banished from the kingdom. Ever since, he had vowed to get his revenge on the Lord.

"Our latest payload, boys!" George barked to tremendous applause from the bandits, whose eyes shimmered at the prospect of getting insanely rich. It was their biggest coup yet and the mood in the camp was that of exuberance and excitement.

"This is Lord Lyon's daughter, stolen right off of his lands! Ain't she pretty?" George announced.

"As pretty as a flower" shouted Aron, the second to George. "Lord Lyon must be searching all over the kingdom for her. Poor him." He laughed, as the other bandits joined him in unison.

"Nobody touches her, boys. Not until daddy pays up." George warned his men. "Understood master" the bandits said and nodded obediently.

"Take her to the cave and make sure she stays there!" George pointed to Jay, short for John. Jay was a boy in his twenties, a six foot 190 pound man, boasting of a physique a man would die for. He had brown hair, dark brown eyes and a very tanned skin he had acquired from all his adventures in the sun.

A few years back, Jay was accused of treason in the Kingdom of Lord Foy for he had assisted a prisoner from escaping the borders of the kingdom. Under attack from the men of Lord Foy, he found an escape in the woods of George, who upon seeing his bravery and intelligence, hired him as a bandit.

Jay obliged upon being summoned by George. "Yes, Master" He said, in a deep and confident voice. He walked towards Lord Lyon's daughter. As he walked, he could notice the fear in her eyes, the insecurity she felt among this intimidating group of strangers. His hands caught her arm, albeit softly, as he slowly dragged her to the dark cave. "Sit down here" he ordered her, as they stood in a corner of the cave. He left her there in the dark, quickly ran outside to grab a flame and some wood, and returned inside to light the cave. The fire was only so much so as to lit the faces of the daughter and himself.

 

[Ambrosia_64]

She didn't resist him-there wasn't much point. He towered over and outweighed her enough to make fighting him-if it had even been something that would occur to her-dangerous and foolish.

He led her into a dark, cool cave, the Lady nodding her head emphatically, her heart still pounding in her chest. She had no intention of trying to escape, not yet-she didn't know where she was and was very, very afraid of George.

When he returned she was setting prettily in the indicated corner, her knees and legs to one side, one slender ankle scandalously exposed, but with her hands bound she couldn't reach to tuck her dress around them. But that hadn't stopped her from grasping the gag tied so very tightly across her mouth, working the material down around her delicate throat instead. It had left angry red marks on either side of her face, but they were fading even now.

"M-my name is Eva." She said softly, barely above a whisper. She was afraid of him too, particularly in the dark confines of the cave. But she had manners, and maybe...maybe with a name, she wouldn't be seen as subhuman anymore, at least by this man. Eva offered a weak smile-one that lasted only a moment as her eyes flicked to the cave's opening as men passed by, laughing brazenly.

She swallowed, those large eyes flickering back. "W-well met." A nod. The entire journey had been terrifying, the kidnapping had been terrifying, being in the midst of so many men was terrifying, and no chaperone, no attendants, no guards to help her or keep watch. She had no idea what to do except hope and pray word reached her father quickly, that she would be returned safe once they had whatever it was they wanted.

 

[Master_of_RP]

Jay wasn't new to this business at all. He had watched over numerous girls during his time under George. He looked at her and smiled as she sat there, her knees to a side. She looked frightened to death.

He was surprised to see no resistance from her. "A soft, tender girl" he thought to himself. She certainly did not feel like the one who'd resist or revolt against him.

"M-my name is Eva." She said softly, barely above a whisper. "Jay" He replied, loosening her hands from the material that had kept her tied all this while. She had obeyed her orders and had confined herself to the dark corners of the walls. Her face glowed from the flames that lay beside her.

He turned around and walked out to his tent, gathered all of his stuff and brought it back with him in to the cave. His eyes met her as he set his things opposite her. The cold breeze had started to set in as the sun went down in the horizon. "A blanket?" He asked her, picking one of his old, flimsy blankets.

His treatment of her was in no way different from any other victim. He was doing his job of watching over her. Yet, his eyes repeatedly fell on hers, the fear on her face, the terrified look. He could sympathize.

 

[Ambrosia_64]

Eva rubbed at her chafed wrists, a sigh of relief. "Thank you, sir Jay." She was glad to know his name-it made him a little less scary, somehow. Though he was still a bandit, and his comrades had stolen her away from her home.

Still, he said none of the lewd things her abductors had, reddening her cheeks with humiliation and filling her with both fear and confusion.

Jay left her again, the glow of the small flame briefly her only company as she neatly tucked her blue dress around her legs. He came back, and she accepted the blanket gratefully-she was very cold. "Thank you, yes please." She said softly, wrapping it around her shoulders and holding it closed in front of her. She watched him move things around, fingering the edges of the blanket, her full lips parting a moment before she spoke, unsure. "Sir Jay...where are we?" She inquired. They had traveled so very long-she imagined she must be very far from home.

 

[Master_of_RP]

Like other kidnapped girls, Jay knew Eva was in big trouble. He knew Lord Lyon and the kingdom of Fraixnet would do everything possible to get Eva safe back to her home. But George was a ruthless man. He couldn't be trusted for any amount of money.

The cave was rather small. Rugged and weary walls surrounded the two. Cold air filled every inch of the rock while the ground was moist with sharp rocks that could pierce through the skin of any human. Jay gently laid his straw mattress on the ground, stretching it and covered it with his cloak. The dirt on the hem of his tunic was apparent as he sat down, watching over her.

He could see Eva's silk dress was wet with the moist ground and her skin was being poked by those sharp rocks underneath. He stood up, looked at her and walked outside. When he returned, Eva could notice a bunch of hay sticks in his hands. He leaned, his eyes fixated on hers, and gave her a nice wide smile. "Sit on this. More comfortable" he said, spreading the sticks on the moist ground as they covered the sharp rocks.

He then walked across and took his place on the straw mattress, watching over her. He was amused when she addressed him by his name. "Sir Jay...where are we?" She inquired. "Far away from Fraixnet, in Roussilon " He replied, wondering if she was aware of such a place.

The second leader, Aron peeked in through the small entrance of the Cave to check on things. "Good." He said as he saw her put in one corner of the walls. The light from the flame was not sufficient enough so as to see her loosened hands. "Keep an eye on her the whole night. These bitches are clever and know of several tricks to escape. Make sure she doesn't move an inch from there" He ordered Jay and left, leaving the her in his company for the rest of the night.

 

[Ambrosia_64]

"I must thank you again. Despite...despite circumstances, you have been very kind."

She stood and moved to reposition herself in the more comfortable spot, this time with her knees drawn up close to her chest, the blanket over her small form.

Roussilon was indeed very far from Fraixnet. Eva nodded with the smallest of frowns-when Aron peeked in and spoke-causing the poor girl to jump, pulling the blanket even tighter around her shoulders, a blush coming to her cheeks at the rude debasement, her eyes suddenly very intent on the fire, a mixture of hurt, embarrassed, and afraid.

Then he was gone, leaving them alone again. Eva swallowed, her honey colored gaze lifting to him and a weak, anxious smile curving her lips. "...d-don't worry. I...I am not very tricky." She was also afraid of traveling alone, particularly in the dark. Besides-even if she thought escape possible, she was much too afraid of punishment should she fail.

No, her father would surely pay the ransom, and then...and then they would let her go. She hoped.

Eva rested her chin on her blanketed knees. She had not thought it possible to sleep-but the day had been very long and full of terror, and she could not deny she was exhausted. Jay, at the very least, seemed safe enough to relax around, and it would not be long before she did indeed drift off, her eyes closing as she turned her head to rest her cheek on her knees instead.

 

[Master_of_RP]

"I must thank you again. Despite...despite circumstances, you have been very kind." Eva said, moving over to the sticks of hay. She sat there facing Jay, a bit more comfortable.

"My job, duty" He responded. It was evident to her from his vernacular that he was not a local. He stretched himself and lay on his stray mattress, preparing for the night's rest. It was a tiresome day for him and his eyes were betraying his will to stay awake and watch over her.

"Affirmative, Sir" Jay stood up and bowed to his superior, Aron as performed his final check. When he left, he could hear Eva speak. "...d-don't worry. I...I am not very tricky." He turned towards her and smiled. "I comprehend" He said to her. The flame was beginning to fade away, darkness creeping in the corner of their wall.

It was soon that he had fallen asleep. The next morning he woke up to the chirps of the bird. The cave was dimly lit by the early dawn as it was time for him to change guards. His comrade, Kyle, had taken his place while he went to do the morning chores and get some Bread.

The first rays of sun were greeted by rather unfortunate news for the bandits. "Sir George, Sir George" screamed the bandit with a letter in his hand. "Lord Lyon has ordered his troops towards the west of Fraixnet. Their men are on the hunt. Also, a reward of twenty thousand francs has been announced in return to bring Eva safely back to her home" read aloud the bandit.

The whole camp was a mess. The chirping of the bandits was louder than that of the birds. It was a mayhem. "Silence!" shouted George. "Lord Lyon and his men will never find us. Aron, send a group to the western entrance to Roussilon. They shall dare not enter our territory." Aron obliged. "Yes, Sir. I shall ensure it". George then added, "Keep an eye on that little girl. She will not go until his daddy pays. A hundred thousand francs! Send the message to Lord Lyon" He dismissed the bandit with the news.

 

[Ambrosia_64]

Eva woke not to the kind Sir Jay, but another man, a stranger she had not seen yet. He had been watching her, and as she opened her eyes and lifted her head, feeling those eyes-he grinned lecherously at her, and laughed when she offered a stuttering 'good morning'.

Eva didn't try talking to him again. Unbeknownst to her, news had arrived in regards to her father's efforts to find her.

The news was passed from man to man, much muttering and head shaking. No one relished the idea of facing down an army, but most believed George and his declaration that they were untouchable. As a whole they dismissed the reward-twenty thousand francs would not be much, divided among them all. A hundred thousand however-that was a fair share for all!

The ransom letter was sent away with urgency. "He will deliver the francs." George said to another man as he walked through the camp towards his tent. "And once he does, do we return the girl?" "Of course not!" George burst. "I hate that man. He will pay, we will be rich, and the girl can rot. The only reason she lives yet is in case Lord Lyons demands an even exchange. And even then...we might send one of her pretty fingers in response."

George felt no end of animosity towards the Lord Lyons. Causing him pain would bring him immense joy-only more so if he was paid his due.

 

[Master_of_RP]

Jay was doing his morning chores when the news of the reward fell on his ears. *20,000 francs* He thought to himself. That is a lot of money. He could live a luxurious life with that. But, ofcourse he had heard and seen them all. He brushed the thought aside instantly knowing how impossible of a task it was.

Jay had changed his tunic and cloak to his new ones while he dried the old ones. He brought them back with him to the cave. "You are done here" He said to the other bandit who watched over Eva while he was gone. He entered the cave and smiled at Eva. "Waking up to good news, are you?" He asked her.

Jay knew the power of Lord Lyon. It was only a matter of time before he rescued his daughter. He walked towards Eva, leaned on her and tightened the material on her hands. "For some time. After Sir goes, I loosen again" He said. He brought his stray mattress near her and sat there, closer than before. The sun rays lightened the corner of the cave, just like the flame last night.

"How old?" He asked, offering some water to her. "From the lake" He said, assuring her of the source of the water while she looked at him, used to the clean water and free of diseases, with amusement.

 

[Ambrosia_64]

Eva tilted her head, quizzical. "News, Sir Jay?" She inquired, the first she had spoken since her failed greeting to Kyle. "And...and good morning." She added. He probably would not laugh at her for greeting him.

He came closer then, tightening the rope around her slender wrists again-much to her disappointment, but she didn't fight him on it, just a nod to his words. She didn't want to get him in trouble.

"Thank you." She was awfully thirsty-and the cool water did wonders for her parched throat. He had asked her age, and Eva lowered the cup, her eyes straying to the sunrays that filtered into the cave. "I have lived nineteen summers." Her honey eyes flicked back, a quick, maybe embarrassed explanation. "F-father keeps rejecting suitors. I...I do not mind." She was quick to add. Nineteen was rather old not to be betrothed or married, for a noblewoman. "...I am happier at home, I think." Marriage was a slightly frightening prospect to a shy girl like Eva. She was glad her father was reluctant to marry her off, lose her to a husband.

For now, his protection was enough. Perhaps someday she would be forced to take a husband-but until then, she was happy. Though...having been stolen and kept in the company of men with no escort, perhaps no one would marry her, now.

...she wished she was home with her father now. He must be so very worried. Eva was his only child-her mother had passed away long ago, when she was very small.

"And you, Sir Jay? How many summers?" She was curious. And, if she were honest-a little lonely, here. She was used to being surrounded with people, attendants and visiting noblewomen. Only on her walks did she travel alone, against the wishes of her father. She had never felt unsafe in their lands. Until... "How...long have you traveled with...with your friends?" She put it as politely as possible, not wanting to offend him, or be rude-even to her captors.

 

[Master_of_RP]

Jay waved away any greetings Eva had to offer. He quickly came down to the point. It was rather surprising to him that Eva had not yet heard of the reward. He looked at her while she picked the water from him. "TWENTY THOUSAND Francs" He paused. "Anyone who gets you to Fraixnet safely".

He looked away, letting her soak in the news while he brought about a few apples he had plucked from the trees in the morning. Taking a bite of the apple, he listened to her story.

"And you, Sir Jay? How many summers?" She was curious. He passed over an apple to her. Taking another bite of his, he spoke. "Twenty five". No one had ever asked him this question. It made him feel like a human again. His smile spoke for his feelings. "My fourth summer with George in Roussilon" He added.

He was touched by her question. He munched on his apple as he watched outside, anticipating Aron anytime. "How...long have you traveled with...with your friends?" he turned again. It puzzled him when she spoke of the other bandits as his friends. He had never considered them one, although there was mutual trust among them. He had barely had a conversation with any of them over the past four years. Although, it stuck to him the polite nature of her. He could only smile. "Three years with them, fourth with George. You are the ninth girl" He put the facts out there, not caring if she'd be intimidated by the number.

Aron soon happened to pay his morning visit. "Special orders from the Sir. Watch over her the whole time, make sure those hands are tied hard. There's no getting away from here" He warned in his usual manner. "Understood, Sir" Jay replied, showing Aron the fastened hands of Eva. Aron nodded at the sight, turned around and walked away. Once he was out of sight, Jay loosened her hands. "Food? Apples from the trees" He said, picking one and offering it to her.

 

[Ambrosia_64]

Eva learned he was 25. She learned he had been traveling with George for four years, only three with the others. And...she learned she was the ninth girl.

Eva's heart rate quickened, the slightest bit of widening to her eyes. Nine in four years? Had they been returned safely? Would SHE be returned safely? Her mouth felt dry, her throat tightening.

Aron paid a visit, giving orders. Eva dropped her eyes as soon as he appeared in the cave entrance, the small woman seeming to shrink further as he spoke. And then Jay touched at her binds again once he had left, drawing her eyes up with a surprised, maybe slightly alarmed expression-worried he might get in trouble if caught. This risk...this risk was important to her. She gave a nod in thanks.

Nine girls.

She accepted the apple, looking at it's red and yellow skin, holding it in both of her small hands. "Thank you." She hesitated, then asked her question slowly. "Will...will they take me home then? For the francs my father offers?" She sounded hopeful, looking up from the apple with those honey colored eyes of hers.

"And...were the others returned safely?"

 

[Master_of_RP]

In all his four years with George, he had never betrayed him or any of his orders. Yet, here he found himself taking risks that could have him killed. The ruthless man that he was, George would never let anyone off the hook even for the smallest of mistakes.

"Will...will they take me home then? For the francs my father offers?" She asked. Jay had no answer to that. How could he tell her that none of the previous eight girls ever saw home again. He was terrified to reveal the truth. He had to keep her hopeful.

Jay nodded. "Yes. Bring the money, take away the girl safe". He knew it was inevitable that she'd learn the truth eventually. But he wanted to keep her hopeful. "I think only few days before Lord Lyon sends money." He reassured her.

He saw her eat the apple. It brought a smile to his face, to see her eat it like a small child. "Like the apple? want more?" He asked, pushing another apple at her feet.

 

[Ambrosia_64]

Eva relaxed, visibly relieved. She smiled brightly at him, believing his lie whole heartedly. She was a bit too trusting, this girl.

Eva bit into the apple, her eyes thoughtfully tracing over the stones in the cave as she happily ate the sweet fruit. She would be glad to be home. It was good her father would be paying soon.

She was lucky he could afford to pay the ransom. Still, she felt bad for costing him so much money in the first place-she would never venture out alone again. Though...she would be sad to lose those quiet walks in the fields.

"Thank you again, Sir Jay." She said, scooping the fruit up and tossing it slightly upwards, catching it again with a soft laugh. "Once, I saw a jester. He had three apples...then five, then seven! He threw them all up in the air like..." She tried to juggle, but even with one apple it was not the easiest thing to do, toss in that neat arc. She caught the apple again with the slightest of pouts, then shrugged and took a bite of the fruit, swallowing. "Well, he was very good at it, juggling." She told him with a soft smile, remembering.

 

[Master_of_RP]

Jay was relieved that he had delayed the truth, albeit only for a few more days. He liked to see her smile. The optimism on her face of being rescued was contagious. He smiled at her as she merrily ate the apple.

"You are lucky to witness such skillful acts in the courts" He responded. "Any hobbies?" He asked, curious to know more this sweet little girl.

A few minutes later, he proposed the idea of going to the lake. "Like a swim perhaps, Eva? Get yourself cleaned." He mentioned, his eyes staring down at her blue silk dress, the hem of which was dirty with all the mud. "Quite dirty, aren't you?"

 

[Ambrosia_64]

"I have been taught needle point and dictation as all noble ladies must learn...but I prefer books, and hawking. My hawk's name is Arthur." He must be missing her too. Poor pretty bird. "And you, Sir Jay? What do you like to do? It must be nice, to be in nature all the time."

A swim? Eva's eyes followed his darker ones to the hem of her poor dress, her slippers-the girl coloring. "I apologize." She was embarrassed, her brightness dimming a little. "It was...it was a long trip. Your...your friend, he made me walk for some distance, once we were away from home."

She swallowed. "But...a swim would be lovely, I am sure!" She hastened to add. "If...if that is allowed." Eva would not want him to get into trouble, not on her account. He was the only friend she had, here.

 

[Master_of_RP]

Jay was the curious kind. He listened carefully to Eva's words. He had always wondered how the life of these noble humans would be. Understanding Eva would give him a glimpse of it.

"Archery and Chess. Sometimes gamble. I am good at cards" Jay replied. He had grown up in a poor household where he had to learn the trade early in his life. His learned the trade of hunting through his ancestors. "Nature is wonderful. Teaches you to survive". His eyes became intense as he spoke. "Living inside the secure walls of the courts, how can you comprehend?".

He heard the word 'friend' again. It was time she knew what he thought of them. He sat erect, eyes meeting hers whilst he spoke. "Not a friend. Just another co-worker" He let go his thoughts. "Only work, no emotions" He added. He wasn't sorry for what she had gone through because of the other bandits. "Hope you enjoyed the trip" He remarked sarcastically.

Turning around, he went back to his base. He picked up his cloak and wore it. He came back and took the position. opposite to Eva. "Allowed yes, but only with me" Jay said when she asked about the swim. He caught her hand and fastened the material on it. "We go when Sir has food." He explained her about the time, which was to be soon.

 

[Ambrosia_64]

Eva withdrew a little, looking...ashamed? at his comment about her upbringing, her life in the safety of her father's walls, the courts. She knew she had been blessed with safety and security, the only child of Lord Lyon. She felt guilty for it.

But sometimes...sometimes it felt too crowded, too oppressive. She was allowed many freedoms, but the gossip about her privileges, that her father ensured an education, that he rejected all suitors...well, people wondered if there might be something wrong with her. Eva did her best to focus on their kindnesses, rather than their judgement.

For one always surrounded by people, it could be very lonely, being a Lady with so much expected of her.

"Hope you enjoyed the trip"

Eva shifted uncomfortably, missing his sarcasm somewhat. "I...I did not." She was reluctant to speak ill of his friends, but he claimed he had little emotion for them. Those honey colored hazel eyes were interested in the ground for a long moment. "They said...unkind things." Her voice sounded far away, distant. She wrapped her arms around herself, a shiver. She didn't seem self pitying. Just...fearful, uncomfortable.

Jay left, and Eva stayed in place, obedient. But when he returned he bound her hands again, spoke of things again. She gave a meek nod, keeping her head down. But...a swim might be nice. The walk too.

 

[Master_of_RP]

Jay hailed from a household that struggled every day to make ends meet. It was very difficult for Jay to grasp the difficulties that Eva was hinting at. For all he knew was them kings and the queens lived a life of royalty, of luxury.

He chuckled when she failed to understand the sarcasm in his tone. "Oh ofcourse you did not". He was again puzzled when her eyes went down to the ground as she spoke ill of the other bandits. He was very well aware of the treatment she would have received from George and the bandits on her way to the camp. "Oh sure you wish you were our princess to be showered with the nicest of words and things. Unkind, huh!" he dismissed her complaint away. He had learned to stay away from the emotions, a cold-hearted bastard he had become.

Jay stood up and walked out of the cave. He noticed Aron and George were off for their afternoon meal. The time was right. He quickly came back and held her hands. Fastening the material on the wrists, he dragged her up. "Time to swim." He said, grabbing her by the hand and leading her out of the cave. As they came out, the bandit in-charge howled. "What's the matter! Why are you outside?"

Jay stood there, watching the men surround him. He spoke, "Taking her to the lake. For a swim." The bandit was startled. "Swim? It is the notice of the leader that she shall not move. Get back in there". Jay wouldn't listen to him. He knew he was not accountable to him at all. "Sir Aron in the morning says so. On his orders, I act" He lied to him but he was very well aware of the working nature of the camp. No one had the audacity to question Aron or George. And Jay was very confident that he would return with Eva before his leaders came back from their afternoon meal. The bandit in-charge nodded, giving him the permission.

Jay caught her hand and gradually proceeded towards the path that lead to the lake. With one hand he held the material that ensured she was always tagged to her while he picked the crossbow in the other hand, to ward of any danger that might potentially come in their way.

 

[Ambrosia_64]

Eva's eyes stung, but she said nothing, just kept her eyes downcast. Perhaps Jay didn't know the things that were said. Perhaps he did. Maybe she was foolish to think she had a friend here. But she would try to be brave-she would get to go home soon, after all. And then all the fear and uncertainty would be a distant memory.

She should not think unkindly of Sir Jay. He had been nice to her.

Still, it hurt her feelings.

He dragged her up and Eva made a small, surprised sound of discomfort, a squeak-but she was quick to follow his lead-right into the rest of the bandits. Her eyes widened, the girl tucking close to Jay, frightened most of all by a bear of a man named Charles. He had been in the party that had kidnapped her, and he had said the cruelest of things, things she hadn't even fully understood-but she was afraid of him. His eyes were always mean and hateful, and...and hungry? As if he had not eaten in a long while, when he looked at her.

They were some distance away before she spoke-a very quiet, almost whispered tone, as if afraid someone might overhear, despite the distance from camp. "S-sir Jay, was that...was that an untruth?" Her eyes were large and anxious. "I...I couldn't bear it if you got into trouble, not on my account." She worried, despite his earlier harsh words-she didn't want any harm to come to him. To anyone, really, but especially not to Jay.

 

[Master_of_RP]

The steps leading upto the exit of the camp, Jay was trembling. He had dared to betray the bandits and his leaders for the very first time. He held Eva's hands and lead her to the exit. Despite the fear in his mind, he knew what he was doing. He was a smart chap and one that knew how to optimize things. This quality in him had gotten him to work with George for the later utilized his skills in planning the numerous heists.

As they reached the exit of the camp, Jay looked around. There were no bandits to be seen. He ensured that no one was following them. Soon, he did the unthinkable. He released Eva off the material, setting her wrists free. He had known the girl enough during his time to trust her. "Indeed" He replied. "Listen now" he called for her attention. "We walk to the lake. You go inside and take a swim. The sun rays would fall directly upon your shoulders once in the lake. Time to come out when sun rays are no longer direct." He had learned to measure time following the sun rays. The daily routine of his leaders was very well known to him and if everything went according to his plan, no one would ever doubt him.

Jay had a very keen eye for detail. He had meticulously planned this entire event. All he was hoping for was for her to follow him and not create any troubles. He knew she could not dare to escape him. After all she was a young girl of nineteen, out in the wild for the first time in her life.

 

[Ambrosia_64]

Those honey hazel eyes were fixed on him, Jay and his words holding the whole of her attention. Eva nodded slowly, then spoke so he would know she understood. "Yes, Sir Jay. I will do just that...maybe we should leave even earlier, so you are safe?" That was her primary concern-that her friend would get in trouble. She didn't want that at all.

As they walked again, Eva looked around at the different fauna and trees, her small, soft hand absently slipping into Jay's larger one, holding it as they moved-if he allowed it.

She had been in her father's forests only a few times. She was not permitted to, nor did she wish to hunt-and her father also did not allow her a horse, afraid it might buck her and cause injury.

It was nice to hear the birds in the tree tops, the girl tipping her head back to gaze upwards, her honey blonde locks slipping from her shoulders, tumbling down her back. "It is so nice and beautiful, here." She commented, looking back to him with another smile.

"Are...are you from here, Sir Jay? Or do you hail from another land also?" She inquired curiously.

 

[Master_of_RP]

Jay nodded as Eva spoke. He was glad that she understood the magnitude of the risk he had taken. Despite her naive and childish nature, she was showing glimpses of maturity.

The wild was Jay's home. He could pierce through the forest even on the darkest of nights. He had become accustomed to every single element of it in the past four years.

At every point of their walk, Jay was aware of the time. He ensured that they didn't wander and took the shortest of the paths to the lake. The walk itself was beautiful. As for her, she was looking sweet and beautiful as always. He enjoyed her blonde hair that tumbled down her back. "It is. I love it. It's my home" said Jay.

"Are...are you from here, Sir Jay? Or do you hail from another land also?" She inquired curiously. "Born in the kingdom of Lord Foy in Issy. In my 18th summer, they throw me out because I treason. But that is untrue. No no, I don't do anything wrong." He said, his voice softening.

Ironically, he was defending himself of not committing treason while he was actually betraying his people. He led her into the wild, through the tall trees, amidst the dense forest. "I don't swim. I keep an eye on you" He informed Eva, letting her know that she would be the only one going inside.

 

[Ambrosia_64]

It was nice to go on a walk with him. She was glad he was not as scary as the others. He liked it here. The forest was his home. Eva wondered what that might be like, being in nature all the time. Being...free.

“No no, I don't do anything wrong.”

Eva’s small hand held his a little tighter, the girl’s honey hazel eyes large and sympathetic. She believed him. Of course the soft hearted, trusting woman did. “That’s terrible Sir Jay...I am so sorry they falsely accused you.” And she was. She wished there was a way for her to help. “Perhaps, when I am home again, I can ask father to write to Lord Foy. See if he can intervene on your behalf.” A nod. Then he could visit Issy whenever he wanted, or return there.

Yes, she would do just that. It was the least she could do for him, he’d been so kind to her.

They came to the lake, and Eva paused to appreciate the way the sun sparkled across the surface. “Oh.” She said, a smile curving her lips, a bit of embarrassment. “I...do not swim either.” She laughed, a pretty, feminine sound of amusement as she released his hand.

“We can wade in the shallows? That would be nice.” She slipped out of her shoes, then thought a moment, tilting her head at her blue dress. “A...a moment, please, Sir Jay.”

She turned her back to him and loosened the gold threaded belt, the ties on the front of her blue silk dress. It took her a moment to slip it up over her head-leaving her in just the white shift she wore beneath it, the thin material not the most appropriate of attire for a young lady to be wearing-but Eva was either unaware or too innocent to consider it anything but practical.

The shift was ankle length, but as the blue silk was drawn up over her head a toned expanse of her calves were briefly revealed-only for the white shift to fall into place again. She neatly laid the dress and belt over a tree branch, turning to him again.

“Shall we? It looks so very nice in there."