Spoils of War

[magiciansfire]

Jaedan sat on the stone bench overlooking the rose garden,her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.How could things have changed so drastically in just a sort time. A week ago she had been happy and carefree,telling her twin stories and sharing adventures which got them in trouble. Their father always told them one day it would get the best of them,well his words had proven true.

A week ago herself and her twin Jaylyn had snuck out of the castle and into the nearby woods to explore. Dressed as stableboys they laughed and ran through the trees. The moonlight had shone down on them and their laughter echoed through the glen. they did not see the aproaching brigands and then it was too late. They had set upon them swords drawn,steeds trampling around them.

Jaedan watchied in horror as the hooves found the softness of her sisters head. The court physician told them death was instant and Jaedanstill blamed herself. it was her idea and her sister followed. She had got away only because the palace guard had been alertd to the commotion. Now she sat here thinking of how things could have been different. Her sister's betrothed was due to arrive the next morning and from his letters was not happy at his loss. He demanded payment anyways for the broken betrothal.

Her father more or less told her this was all her fault and she was dead to him. Jaedan wiped away a lone tear that slid down her cheek,wishing it had been her in her sisters place that night. Now she was seen in the eyes of her fellow villagers as the bad seed. She had thought many times of just leaving and going away,maybe that would make her father hapy once more. He had not even smiled her way since the death.

Jaedan raised her head when she heard the faint clops of a horse approaching the courtyard and turned . She saw the local blacksmith riding a newly shoed horse. he had come to their kingdom a few months back,noone knew much about him. He spoke rarely to anyone and kept their soldiers in weapons. She watched as he rode close to the gate and stopped.She frowned when he dismounted and moved towards the walls.

The blacksmith seemed to be talking to someone and her small stature kept her hidden among the bushes. She pushed her raven hair away from her face and her chestnut eyes watched him. She wondered what he was up too and tried to get closer. She stopped when he suddenly looked around the courtyard. She held her breath and released it slowly when he turned back to the wall.

he spent several more minutes at the wall then took the horse by the riens and headed off back towards his livery. Jaedan stood and looked at the wall,she bit her bottom lip debating on wether or not to go see. She finally let her mind win out and turned moving back into the castle. She had lost her sense of adventure when her sister died.

She walked along the silent corridor towards her rooms,she nodded to several guards who patroled the interior halls.She had her hand on her doorknob when the alarm sounded from the gates. turning she rushed to a nearby window and gazed out. Knights from the next castle was descending down the hill towards the castle. The banner of the McKinnan's flew high above them. She turned around when a hand grabbed her shoulder,her mother stood behind her.

She didnt speak but urged Jaedan ahead of her into her own rooms. She pushed open the stone panel behind the banner of her family the McCabes. She shoved Jaedan inside and closed the panel back,Jaedan moved down the short walkway into a room. The room held rations for several days but only one way in and out. Jaedan sank down in one corner clutching her own sword to her chest as the sounds of battle raged around her.

((what I would like is for a male rper to take on the role of the man who finds her there. It could be a mamber of the opposing clan or just a wayward knight who happened along..my character would emerge a day later after the battle to find the chaos and the unknown man. Plz pm me before posting I am looking for good posts and try to avoid one liners plz.))

 

[marauder13]

Cameron Fitzgerald was starting to doubt the wisdom of his doing several months ago when he left his clan. Times had been hard, food was scarce, as were the chances for greatness than Cameron sought. He was low within the Clan, and the prospects of bettering his place were limited.

So, he bartered everything he could not pack onto a horse to two sturdy mounts and some supplies. He bid his Clan farewell, riding off to better fortunes. He knew that he would be one less mouth to feed, one less single male to cause trouble. But better fortunes did not cross his path.

Even riding through allies of his Clan, clearly wearing the Fitzgerald Tartan, he was viewed with great suspicion. He had to work hard to get supplies, doing menial jobs that even women looked down on. He fought for other Clans, but his rewards were small, and he was sent on his way quickly.

The day when his doubts first struck, he saw the telltale signs of battle in the distance. Smoke. Lots of smoke at that. He noted it's position, and decided to investigate later, if it was safe to do so.

The following morning he rode off towards where the fighting had been. He left his mounts secured in the woods nearby.He took his sword and shield with him, and came to where the battle had been fought.

A castle. One successfully stormed. Littering the ground were men of one clan, the McKinnans. When he got inside, he saw defenders and common folk laying in pools of blood. McCabe if he remembered well. He searched the castle for survivors, food and valuables in that order. The first seemed to be fruitless, while food he found plenty. Valuables seemed to be gone too, but there was the Headman's chambers to check before that was ruled a failure too.

He found not a living soul in the entire castle by the time he reached the chambers. His search found nothing. He sighed, letting his sword and shield rest while he thought of what supplied he would take with him.

The sounds of the stonework moving brought him back on guard quickly.

 

[magiciansfire]

Jaedannslowly moved the stone after 24 hours of hiding,she slowly crept out of the dark hole. She clutched her sword tightly and moved free of the stone. She looked around the room and cried at the chaos that had occured. She turned quickly not seing the man in the corner and darted out of the door calling for her momma and poppa.

She ran down the hallways not carrying if the puddles of blood got on her clothes. Her small footsteps splashing the vile mud upon her.The tears left trails down her dirtied cheek as she looked for her parents. The cry that spilled from her throat was one of anguish. She knelt next to the body and brushed the bloodies blonde hair back away from the face. Her mothers lifeless eyes met her,her bloodless lips forever silenced in a scream.

Jaedan looked and the ragged clothes and woulnds upon her mothers pale skin and felt her own stomach lurch. She gently held her mother in her arm and began to rock her back and forth in her arms,hugging her head close to her chest. The tears of pain and anger evident on the young face. She knew then what her fathers fate had been and felt another pang.

Carefully lying her mother upon the ground,she closed her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. She said a quick prayer over her and moved on to find her father. She staggered when she found him,her knees going weak. He had been strung up from the higest rafters to hang by his wrists,his stomach laid open. His vital organs hanging out so the courtyard dogs could fight over them ,some even played tug of war with his intestines. She turned away and sank to her knees,beating her small fists upon the ground until they bled.

Finally she stood and walkd to her fathers corpse and pulled his blade,holding the light weight but deadly hones sword she swore to find those responsible for this. Tonight Jeadan the the nobile was dead ,in her place was Jaedan the hunter. She jumped when she heard a noise from the hallway behind her,slowly moving around the door jamb she cried out when are caught her up from behind. Her curses and the head butting as she threw her head back answered her ears with a grunt and a hard shove. She came up standing hilding her fathers sword before her small body.

 

[marauder13]

He saw a petite woman race out of a safety room, calling out to her parents. Cameron followed her at a slow jog, in case her cries brought forth any survivors. He was not a McCabe, so they would think him an ally of their enemies most likely.

Cameron lost her trail between her speed and his caution, but he soon found where she had been. In the courtyard was a woman who had been arranged in final rest. Could this woman be a relative of the little one? His thoughts were cut off when he heard her cries. He followed them, literally running into the girl. But she fought back slamming her head into his body. He gave her a shove with his foot, moving through the doorway to give him room to fight.

She had a fire in her eyes, a sword in hand and a willingness to use it. And from the look of her, she was highborn too. Her raven hair was covering her face, and he could tell her eyes were brown.

"I've bad news for you, little one. You're destined to be someone's prize. Now, you can choose. You can be mine, or you can be claimed by one of the McKinnons. Choose quickly before I choose for you." He brought his sword and shield up, ready for a fight.

 

[magiciansfire]

Jaedan Raised her father's sword in front of her,her bodycrouched in a fighting stance. Her eyes peered back at him from under her hair,she growled low in her throat. She had never seen this man before and his statement meant she had more to worry about than the McKinnons. She stepped slowly back a step,then another away from him.

She did not let her eyes stray from his,her hand itched from the sweat on her palm. Her sword arm did not waver but she could feel the strain from both fatigue and fear rising. Without a second thought of choosing who gets her,she spun and leaped over a small stool. Her small body a flurry of skirts as she fled towards the outer ring of hallways. Her hair flowing out behind her,her small bare feet making soft sounds as she raced for her life.

She slid around a corner and tried to think on the run,where she could flee. Dodging the dead bodies around her,trying not to look upon her fallen friends and family she slammed a large oaken door behind her. She wedged a chair under the latch trying to buy herself some time,moving to the dressing closet she quickly opened it. Her father had showed her this escape tunnel not long ago and she had no idea where it led to.

One last look over her shoulder she pressed aside the panel and slid into the dark catacomb. She moved quickly as she could inthe darkness,cobwebs and other things she didnt want to think about hit her face and arms. She hugged the sword close to her chest and almost cried when the tunnel suddenly ended in a pile of rubble. It had been caved in,someone else had known about this tunnel. She panted trying to figure out what to do.

She looked over her shoulder wondering if she could make it back and still hide from him. She knew he was probably already in her rooms. She chewed her lips and hoped he would not find the panel. She slid her body along the wall and sank to sit on the dirt floor,waiting for the stranger to leave. She would defend herself with the sword if she had to,but she had never drawn blood from anyone. She pulled her knees up to her chest and waited,trying to calm her ragged breathing.

 

[marauder13]

Cameron watched the little one carefully. She held the sword like she knew how to use it, but many women only knew that. Still, he'd be ready for her knowing how to use it. She never took her eyes from him. Right up to the moment she ran.

Cameron laughed as he took off after her. "Run little rabbit. Run while you can. You'll be a good feast for someone later." He followed her closely, but she had enough of a lead to not only close the door, but barricaded it too.

He slowed, and gave it a hard shove. It barely moved. He threw himself at it three times before it finally gave. He smiled that the rabbit had enough left in her to think of that, as well as doing it.

But the room was empty. He checked the normal hiding spots, but she wasn't in any of those. Maybe this room housed another bolt hole. He slowly started searching for the catch.

"Well, little rabbit, very good of you to go to ground so well. But I hope you've got food where you are. I've got plenty out here. Now, you'd better make up your mind quickly, little rabbit. I've got little patience for this, and I'm sure that the McKinnons would love to know that the Lord's daughter is still here. So choose who you want to catch you. And be quick."

Cameron thought she would make a good bed companion on his travels. That would be the price she would pay for his saving her from the McKinnons. At least, she'd only have to deal with one man taking his pleasure on her body, rather than the entire McKinnon Clan. Or, they just might kill her too.

Cameron stood in the centre of the room, and waited for the young woman to make her choice.

 

[magiciansfire]

Jaedan shifted,the afternoon turned to evening and she slowly stood. Surely he would have given up by now. She moved blindly with only touch to guide her back to her rooms. Slowly she eased the panel open. She peered out and the darkness made her rooms shadowed.

She stepped out from the panel and into the room,the door was open but she could hear nothing. She wanted to stay and make sure her mother had a decent burial and not left for the wolves to feed off of. She knew she couldnt though,she had to leave before anything else happened.

She had taken several steps further into the room when a small sound made her stop quickly. She turned just in time to see him advance on her,her instincts kicked in and the sword came up. The first swipe missed his head by mere inches,his reflexes saving him. She spun with the sword and turned back to stared at him. She knew he had the advantage on her,he had probably rested and eaten while she was tired and hungry.

"I will not yield to anyone. I will kill you first before I let you touch me."She hissed at him. The fire in her eyes failed to match the trembling in her arm as she held the sword at the ready.

 

[marauder13]

He waited patiently. He knew that she would reappear. He would be ready for her when she did.

It was dark when she finally came out of her hiding place. He tracked her by the noises she made and had been facing her when she noticed him, and attacked. He ducked her swing, impressed at the skill she showed.

"I will not yield to anyone. I will kill you first before I let you touch me."

"Not likely, little rabbit." He tested her defences, and found she was skilled, but her strength was no match to his. Not that she could see it, but he smiled. The fight wouldn't last long. It took four more blows before he slapped her wrist with the flat of his blade. When he heard the cussing and the blade hitting the floor, he leaped forward, wrapping her up in his sword arm. He dropped the shield and sword and dragged her away from them.

He pushed her to the ground, on her belly, straddling her hips and lower back. He grabbed her sleeves, ripping them off her dress. He took her bare arms, and tied them behind her back. Taking her by the hair, he helped her up to her feet, then retrieved his sword and shield.

"Well then, little rabbit, I guess I'll be leaving a little gift for the McKinnons, or any other scavenger that comes along. Be they two legged or four."

 

[magiciansfire]

Jaedan cried out when the blade connected with her wrist,she had no time to move. his arms were like steel bands around her and the breath was crushed form her lungs. The ground meeting her stomach added to her breathlessness,she struggled. She tried to move enough to keep him from binding her arms but to no avail.

She bit back a cry as his hand tangled in her hair pulling her to her feet. His statement made her cringe.The McKinnons were ruthless and she did not stand a chance with them. She would be raped,tortured and then they would kill her just for her name. The feud between the two clans had been going on for years long before she was born.

"You cannot leave me here trussed up. I stand no chance with them."She hissed at him as she tried to pull her hair from his grasp. The sting on her scalp bringing tears to her eyes.

She knew her only chance was with this man,a stranger. She twisted and tried to kick his shins. "That leaves my choices bleak. I will not submit to you. I may be your catch but I will NOT submit."She rasped and then caught her breath when the thudding of horse hooves met her ears.

She twisted trying to look up at him,she was actually afraid to be caught by the McKinnons. "You stand no chance against any of them,they are cold and heartless."She hissed at him."Let me go!" She felt her foot connect with his shin and bit back the string of words that threatened to spill from her lips in pain.

 

[marauder13]

"You cannot leave me here trussed up. I stand no chance with them."

"Oh, little rabbit, I certain can do just that," Cameron whispered to her. "It is the easiest thing for me to do with you.

"Or I can get myself in the McKinnon's good graces by giving them the gift of the Lord's daughter.

"Or, you can come with me and you will submit. Those be your choices, little rabbit. Think on it, because once I make up my mind, there'll be no changing it."

Even with a hand full of her hair, the little rabbit turned and kicked him in the shins. He winced at the surprise of the blow, not the actual blow itself. Then he too heard the sound of hooves. He was not sure, but there were definitely two horses out there. He dragged her to a door that led into the courtyard, and waited, listening.

"You stand no chance against any of them,they are cold and heartless. Let me go!"

Again another kick to the shins. In the moonlight, she saw him smile.

"As you wish, little rabbit." With those words, he flung her out into the courtyard.

 

[magiciansfire]

Jaedan cried out as she hit the stone ground hard,she felt the skin on her knees grinding into the stone as she tried to scramble to her feet. She could now feel the horses through the ground under her,vibrating with each step. Her eyes went wild and her heart raced. She knew what she had to do.

"Please....Dont leave me here!"She cried out as watched the two riders appeaer through the archway in the courtyard. They weren't McKinnons but some of their army. They still fleww the McKinnon colors.

Jaedan managed to get to her feet,looking over her shoulder she tried to locate the stranger but couldnt see him. Her heart dropped into her stomach,he had left her. She took a deep breath and turned to face th raiders,her chin held up. Her eyes unblinking as they neared her,the look of pure lust and evil shown on their faces.

Jaedan refused to bow down to them after all they had caused,she was a McCade. She would fall proudly as those bodies that littered the courtyard around her.

 

[marauder13]

The two horsemen brought their mounts to a stop, both dismounting at the same time. One of them held the mounts while another walked over to Jaedan putting his hand under her chin, lifting her face to look at it clearly.

"Well, what have we here? The Lady Jaedan no less." She was roughly turned showing her arms were bound. "Someone was kind enough to wrap the gift for us. Maybe we should unwrap it and see how good the gift is." The one holding the horses grunted and laughed. "This way, Lady. You will have to thank us for not letting the wolves get to you." Once more, her hair became a leash, and she was dragged into the stable. The other man led the horses after him, chuckling at the thought of using the McCade woman while she was still fresh.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cameron watched as the raiders took the Lord's daughter into the stable. He thought of leaving her to her fate, but he hadn't decided it yet. He was going to give her to morning, and until the sun fully rose in the sky, she was his. His spoils of war.

He quietly ran across the courtyard, sticking to the shadows all the way. If all worked well, he would gain two more mounts as well.

 

[magiciansfire]

Jaedan cried out as her hair was once more used as a rope. She struggled as he pulled her into the stables,throwing her onto her back. She kicked her legs out and that got her a nasty smack across the face.She glared at him as she scooted back deeper into the hay.

"Dont..touch me!"She hissed at him before spitting in his face. That earned her another harder slap. This time she felt the inside of her lip split and the blood filled her mouth. She spat it out on the ground and felt her fear growing.

She didnt know the strangers name so she could not call out to him,her arms were tied and she could not fight. She was in a mess and actually could do nothing about it. She felt the tears well from the asault and stress of the last 48 hours.

She felt the front of her dress rip from her body,revealing the thin chemise underneath.Her gasp filling the stall as the hand reached out and grasped her breast. The pain flared through her body and she lashed out with her legs. She heard the grunt as she connected with somepart of his frontal body,she just didnt know what.

 

[marauder13]

Alasdair could not believe his luck that he would be the first to use the McCade bitch. He would have the honours of taking the woman's virtue. An honour he never thought he would ever have, even with a low born woman, let alone a high born.

Once she was on her back, he ripped open her dress, and immediately started exploring her body. He took a handful of her ample breast, and gave it a good firm squeeze. She objected, kicking him in the gut.

"Your last warning, bitch. Do that again, and I'll cut your legs so they can't be used again." Alasdair rested a hand on on the hilt of his dirk to let her know he was serious. "Now, let's see what else you have to offer us, Lady." He grabbed her chemise, and jerked it up to reveal her lower torso.

"Well, Euan, we have a nice gift that has been left for us by whoever it was."

Euan chuckled, gurgled and collapsed to the floor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cameron heard the sounds of Jaedan fighting off her enemies, and paying the price for her efforts. But she supplied him with a distraction as he quietly entered into the stables. He drew his dirk, and walked up behind the one called Euan. He slapped his hand over Euan's forehead, and ran the blade across his throat. Euan fell to the ground, in shock and dying.

Cameron jumped Euan's body and rushed Alasdair. "Who said it was your gift?" The two men grabbed the dagger arm's wrist, and started shoving each other around. Jaedan looked on in fright as the two moved across the stall front.

 

[magiciansfire]

Jaedan let out a silent cry as Cameron rushed the one called Alasdair,they became a tangle of bodies as they fought away from her. She scooted back in the hay until her back hit the stall wall and she watched in horror as they fell out of sight behind the gate.

She tried to get her footing and rise but the slick hay and her bare feet hampered her efforts. Frustrated she let words unladylike stream from her. She went still as the sounds of the fighting suddenly went quiet and the sound of a lifeless body hitting the ground. The hollow sound reaching her ears,she stared at the spot they vanished behind.

 

[marauder13]

"Well, Little Rabbit, it would seem that you shall not be entertaining the McKinnons just yet," Cameron said as he walked back into her view. "I must thank you for your good thinking. I now have two more mounts. They will fetch me a good deal of coin if I decide to sell them."

Cameron walked over to where Jaedan was sitting, partially clothed. He took a look at her. Her lips were swollen from where hey had been struck, and her chemise showed her figure well. Yes, she would make a fine bed companion. He picked her up roughly, and threw her onto the hay.

"I suggest you get some sleep, My Lady Rabbit. You have an important decision to make in the morning, lest I make it for you. And I suggest you not try to do anything foolish through the night either, as it will tend my decision to the least favourable for you."

He wandered off briefly, returning with a length of rope. He tied her ankles together, and lopped the rope through her wrist bonds so that her legs were slightly bent at the knees. He adjusted her torn clothing to cover her a bit more.

"Good night, Little Rabbit. Sleep well. I'll make sure that no harm befalls you again this night."

 

[magiciansfire]

Jaedan tried to keep him from tying her legs but she gave up quickly. Her body screamed for rest and her mind was in shambles. She felt the first tear fall down her cheek. Thoughts of her mother filled her mind and she felt the catch in her chest. She had not been able to grieve for her and now the reality had set in.

She quickly wiped her face on the remaing sleeve of her gown and looked away from Cameron. She stared at the stall wall away from him,knowing she couldnt do much more at the moment. Her eyes closed as she tried to chase away the image of her mother lying on the cold floor alone in the castle next to the stables.

"I will not fight you tonight. I have already made my decision. I will go with you,I do not like it. But what other choice do I have. you are the lesser of the two evils."She whispered softly not knowing if he even heard her comment.She settled into the hay as best as she could after her declaration and closed her eyes.

 

[marauder13]

"I will not fight you tonight."

"A wise course of action, Little Rabbit." His voice was fading from her, as he walked to the stable doors, checking for other signs of McKinnons or others. He walked back to near by and looked in on her.

"I will go with you,I do not like it. But what other choice do I have. you are the lesser of the two evils."

He smiled. She was smarter than she first appeared. She settled herself and fell asleep. He wasted little time. He ran back to find his mounts he left tethered outside the keep, and brought them into the stable. He then ran into the keep proper. He found a torch, lighting it and searching for the kitchen and the larder. To his relief, the raiders left it mostly alone. He spent the next hour gathering what he could easily take to feed them both for a good while, as well as making a solid breakfast for them.

That task complete, he headed back to the stable, and found somewhere to lie down and sleep. He sword draw and nearby. Just in case.

 

[magiciansfire]

Jaedan stirred several hours later,her body aching and cramped from her position. She shifted in the hay trying to ease the tenseness in her muscles. She felt her butt hit up against something solid,still blurry with sleep she looked over her shoulder frowning.

She saw Cameron lying behind her sleeping,or he appeared to be anyways. She moved slowly trying to put space back between them,her legs and arms crying out with each movement. She moved her ankles trying to get some space so she could slid her legs out. She bit her lip and almost cried when she bit on her cut.

Tears filled her eyes as she felt it reopen. She turned her head and spit the blood out onto the hay. She could tell it was still night out and the dogs of the keep howled in their kennels. They had not been fed or ran since the night before and she felt her heart go out to them. She let out a small cry as a stable rat moved from the shadows of the corners and towards where they lay.

 

[marauder13]

Cameron heard Jaedan's cry, and sat bolt upright, sword in hand. He looked at Jaedan, trying to sense the source of her cry. He saw the rat, and swatted it with the flat of the blade.

"Morning, Little Rabbit. Decision time. You said last night that you'd stay with me. So, you'll stay with me and SUBMIT?"

He sat her up, severing the bonds at her wrist, allowing her arms freedom of movement. "Now, Little Rabbit, I'm about to get us some food. Don't be a silly girl and try to get out of that binding and run. You do that, and I'll give you over to the McKinnons."

He went back to the kitchen, and grabbed a loaf, some cheese, wine and some venison. He carried it back across the courtyard to the stable where they had slept the night before. Today was going to be a busy day.

 

[magiciansfire]

Jaedan watched him leave the stables and her mind sun. "submit". The words flooded her mind,she took a deep breath. She sat in the hay rubbing her arms and legs bringing feeling back into them.She rested her head on her knees thinking,but knowing there was no other way.

She looked up when he returned and she knew what she had to do. the Mckinnons would surely come looking around today when their men didnt come back. She raised her head and looked up at him. Her voice broke as she tried to sound brave and sure.

"I agree to your terms.'She whispered quietly almost unaudible. she lowered her head in defeat...for now.

 

[marauder13]

Cameron sat down after she declared her agreement. He took out his dirk, and cut off some of the meat, handing it to her.

He tore off a piece of bread and started on that while he sliced a chunk of cheese off in preparation. He looked at Jaedan, knowing she hadn't really submitted. But she knew where her best option lay.

"Cheer up, Little Rabbit, now you've chosen, the only way the McKinnons will get you is if I am dead. You're mine now, and I protect what is mine. Even Little Rabbits like you." He tossed her the skin. "I must compliment you on your hospitality, Lady Jaedan McCade. Your larder was well stocked, and we will have much to keep us as we travel."

Cameron ate more, while he looked over Jaedan. He assessed her. She would know how to ride. She knows how to handle a blade. She has a fire within her that nothing short of death would put out. That was something he looked forward to tempering. She was well developed as a woman, and probably still had her virtue in tact. Though not for much longer.

"Behave yourself, and things will go well for you. Remember that, Jaedan."

 

[magiciansfire]

Jaedan ate hungrily,her head raising to look at him. His statement made her cringe but slightly made her excited too. At the mention of her name she jerked around to look at him."How did you know my name?"She asked him,scooting back slightly from habit.

His "Endearment of Little Rabbit" Grated on her nerves. "Please stop calling me Little Rabbit."She hissed at him moving to untie the rest of her ropes. She hoped he would not try and stop her,she had given her word for now she would submit.

She shook her head and looked around the stables,her eyes misting over. She knew this was going to be the last time she saw her home for awhile. Turning she looked over her shoulder at him with wide,moist eyes."The McKinnons will not give up. You killed two of their men,almost as if you had killed their brothers."She took a deep breath."One day I will come back to reclaim my home. I need the banner and box from my fathers rooms. It is the only thing that can prove who I am when the need arises again."

She hoped he would let her go retrieve the items and make sure her future return hom will be assured. Her mothers death would not be in vain. She would prove to her father he could be proud of her once more."Please..May I go get them."She asked him softly.

 

[marauder13]

He watched as Jaedan ate ravenously. in the last day or more, she had not had much chance to eat, and she had been active too. Cameron made sure she had enough food and drink to sate her hunger.

"I am no fool, Little Rabbit. I know your clan by their colours, and the raider spoke your name loudly enough for me to hear." When she complained to him about what he called her, his sword flicked out and the point rested against the base of her throat. "Listen to me, girl. You are mine, by right of capture. If I want to call you 'Little Rabbit', then I shall and you will answer to it. Remember, you have submitted to me." He returned his sword to the scabbard and finished eating his breakfast.

He listened to her explain what she needed to do, and how she would come back and reclaim her home. He could understand her desire, but it was not important to him.

"No, Little Rabbit. We need to get ready to leave. All the horses are loaded with essential supplies, and I have no space for such luxuries." He walked over to her, and lifted her to her feet. Her torn dress fell open, exposing her chemise which did little to hide her shape.

"This is of no use to you now." He ripped the dress off her, tossing it off to the side. He took a step back, openly admiring her chemise clad body. His smile saying how much he liked what he saw. "As much as I'd like to see you like that while we travel, it would not keep you warm enough, so..." He found something that would serve. An empty sack of rough cloth. With short work by his dirk, he improvised a dress for her. He quickly dressed her in it, pleased that it went as far as her knees. A little more work, and the 'dress' had splits up to her hips.

"There, you ready for travel. Let's go before more McKinnons arrive." He pushed Jaedan towards the stalls where four horses awaited.

 

[magiciansfire]

Jaedan Stood stiffly as he fashoined her new dress,lifting her chin proudly as it draped over her body. She would not give him the pleasure of her bruised dignity. She met his own eyes with her defiant ones,but she held her tongue. The mention of the McKinnons quickly kept every barbs she wanted to shoot back at him at bay.

She stumbled as he pushed her towards the horses,she shot a glare back over her shoulder at him but still held her tongue. She stopped next to one of the dead mans horses,wondering what he expected her to do."Do you wish for me to ride myself or do you plan on tossing me over the back like a sack of potatoes."She said firmly trying to keep the stitch of fear from her voice.

She turned and craned her head up to meet his own gaze,the intensity of it made her look down at the ground. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks as his gaze was blatant and open. She could feel his gaze as if he was trailing his fingers aross her skin themselves. She tried to step back further but the solid flesh of the horse prevented her from moving away.

"I can ride,I have given my word that I would stay with you."She spoke quickly trying to breaking the unease his eyes was causing her. She raised her head but avoided looking him in the eyes. She could feel the morning air blowing up along her bared calves and under the burlap dress.

From outside she could hear the hounds barking in their frustration at being penned up. She could hear all the morning sounds of the animals waiting for the tending that would not come to them this morning. She knew the sun would be breaking through to shine into her bedroom window and across her face. This morning it would shine upon a ransacked room and a sleeperless bed.

No more would her family be calling her to climb out of bed,to listen to her mother talking with the cooks and giving directions. She felt the tear slide from the corner of her eye and make its way down her cheek to drop upon her new dress. She took a deep breath and tried to focus just over Cameron's shoulder to avoid his gaze.