zanax warbow story

[Raven_Timothy]

Zanax the Warbow story(open pm first)

OOC I know I cant spell. But thanks for reading my scratchings.

Heart pounding, head pounding. I'v been leaving a blood trail for to long. Its going to get me killed, not sure that matters now. Have not stopped in three days. Cant hardly see. At least I am on the right side of the line. Vision fades,world spins, and that's a tree root. Crap!

I remember when it started for me. I was ten years of age. I could join the hunts. Father was a high lord. mother was a Terinan from the other side. But they had love. Her father the king of Terina had lost her to my father over a game of chance and skill. Father took one look at her and vowed that he would love her till death. Her father ask "than you would wed her?" Father answered only if she will have me. Mother said a man who would save face for her like this could clam her and all that she was. One year later my brother was born. I know because they tell the story twice a year.
Fourteen years later, my first hunt. By the gods may I do as well as my line before me. My family has had the luck of the first kill, every first hunt my fathers father,my father my brother, even my eldest sister have all had the first kill of the kings hunt after their tenth year. I was born in the dead of winter, and had it not been for one of fathers woodsmen and his knowledge of medicines, mother and I would have died. So my first hunt was just months before my eleventh birth day.
As expected the hunt started grandly, if a little slow. As midday drew near our group spied the first stag a grand elk stand head and shoulders above my mount, and in range even for my bow. As was the law the king was given the first shot. Being my fathers son, no sooner had the kings arrow struck high in the shoulder than my bow was loused. A lung shot. the elk was off at top speed.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

The chase went on for two hours. Before we knew it King Tomas and I were alone. In a flash and a spray of blood the kings mount went down. My horse bucked in shear terror sending me crashing to the ground. As I gained my feet I saw him, a great boar. The Kings horse lay dead, and the king stunned on his back. A few quick steps put me before the boar launching three arrows as I ran. Snatching the short sword on my hip I swung for all my might, again and again. The monstrous boar threw me like a rag. Turning back to the king it stepped then fell dead my sword in its chest to the hilt. I saw the king come to his feet as I blacked out. Some time later as I lay infirm and fevered I could hear the king telling my father, with heart like that your son could teach my men a thing or two.
And so it was that by my fifteenth birthday I was known as one of the best scouts in the land. That year the scouts were forming an elite group called Rangers that same year the war stated. It had taken a year for our spies to discover that the Terinan king Yani had been assassinated by his stepson (now king Teric). As in all war blood would flow.
Two years later my motives were questioned in court by one of my kings advisers, calling me a half breed spy. The reason for this was the week before General Goty ordered a charge. One that I advised against, insisted really. In the midst of battle King Tomas fell, and was all most killed. If not for my ranger squad extracting the king that battle would have ended the war. King Tomas called me in to court and ended the talk of half breed. He graced my shoulders with the tip of his blade, saying Sir Raven I never properly thanked you for saving my life the first time. How can your king show his respect and thanks, name it and its yours. I blurted out Zanax! The Asian war bow on the wall of your tent. King Tomas nodded.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Two years later I was given the title The Kings Own Ranger. Having saved him and his army yet again with information delivered at the last second. Despite having three of the enemy's arrows in me and near death the message was delivered by my own hand. By the time I was twenty three I had two of the finest light blades the enemy had ever made. One recovered from a lord on the field, and he other as ransom for a duke. At twenty six I was commanding the kings finest rangers. All picked buy my hand and the kings nod. Spending over a year behind the lines, our orders were clear. "Disrupt the enemy any way you can. You have to slow them down " were my kings words to me. A brutal fifteen months later I returned to our side with Duke Abaster, king Teric's best knight. And all four hundred of his men. All of them sworn to the "last man" to my blade. With in the week they were fighting heroically for their new king and saved his guard and him. By the age of Thirty I had given My father, brother, mother, middle sister and half my life to the king. Upon his death bed King Tomas granted me a thousand acres, the pick of his armory, and ten of his best colts. But he ask me to stay, serve his son. I said I would if he would retire the wood cutter that saved me and my mother thirty years ago. Tomas replied he and his family are yours. He died that night in his sleep. His son King Denance and I sat vigil till sun up.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

His name for the record was Lord Ranger Krit. The man who killed king Teric. I was there holding off five of his guard. Me and that female form the fifth ranges company. Krit was a good man and a great ranger. One of my best, and he gave his last breath to try and end the war. Later I learned the girls name was Keria. She was the woodsmen's only surviving child. She couldn't have been more than twenty three.
She nursed me back to life that spring. Broken ribs and the Death Fever. She told me my land need me, the fights not over. My people needed me.
That winter king Balien met with our King Denance, and the war came to an end. But as ever war was coming again. My rangers would deploy before the first troops marched from the last war to their homes.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

[Flash foward]
I lay in the snow... Pain, searing pain... Slipping in and out... I know I'm near home, but cant tell where. As the snow covers me I ask myself how lovely it would have been to have a small home in these woods. Maybe some children. And... and maybe just maybe that Girl keria as my... Darkness passes over me again.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Light blinding light. Its... Its her, Keria! My hand reaches up caressing her cheek. Like I'm trying to touch snow with out leaving a mark. Her lips move but I cant hear her. all I can hear is some thing like war drums but they keep getting softer and slower... something hot and wet on my face like summer rain. but this is just a few drops. I croak out the only thing I can, unsure if she can even hear me. "Keria stay." Once again I am covered in black cold.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Side note:
Keria is described best by Raven as this. "Her eyes are like a field of clover in bloom. flakes of violet in a field of green. Her hair is burnt crimson. No not auburn. Not red. Not rose... your not listening! burnt crimson I tell you. She is not to tall nor to short, nether is she to fat nor to thin. Yet I tell you. She fits to my side better than the finest leather tooled by the finest craftsmen."
He said this when he had the fever.She knows that he cares for her and has a good idea to what extent.
When times were hard her family lived in his family's home. They were treated as equals. Her family is taking care of her lands of a hundred acres while she is away. Keria knows that it was Raven and two of his men's reports about her skill and bravery that made her a knight. And Raven was the duke that made her a lord. All of her light leather scale mail and weapons are of the finest craftsmanship Raven could afford or recover. Keria is one of two people still alive that know Raven's real name and that he is a prince in line to the northern throne.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Side note:
Duke Raven the Kings own Ranger and Commander of the First and Second Rangers, Master Ranger, Weapon smith, and leather worker. That is his full title. Now you know why he makes most people just call him Raven or Lord Raven. Keria once said "His eyes are black sunburst, black centers with black and yellow lines leading to it. If you look to long you might just fall in. his hair is Raven black, but that's not why they call him that. He is Tall... Very tall and built to outlast any storm."
Raven stands 6'3" and about 220 pounds with a 46" chest about 24" from shoulder to shoulder. Where the average man is about 5'7". His hair is commonly cropped short. He has no scars that can be seen while hes in armor. He has a medium to heavy build, but is not cut like a bodybuilder.
Raven is a great judge of talent and skill. He knows that there are a hand full of his men that are better with a bow than he is. And that Keria is in the top three of them. He also knows that the only person he ever knew better with twin blades trained him, killed King Teric, then was written in the history of his land. Very few Knights could match him for any time, and probably half of them are under his command.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

OCC Ravens are known as messengers, Odin's advisers, and harbingers of death.

Kiria's side#

Two months before:
Keria sat deathly still as the enemy troops moved past her. She had been playing his game for days. No it had been a week yesterday.
Some just could not except that the war was over. This had been the case with Marshal Verdamor. He and his men were making raids on both sides of the border trying to rekindle the old war. The first and second rangers were dispatched to put an end to it. For a month her and her fifteen man squad had been chasing the Marshal's trail of destruction. Nipping and their hills. Snipping the rear guard. But the two hundred men of the main force had turned south right over the spot her and her men had been in camped not two hours before.
The rangers had pulled back just in time. Her men set in bushes and behind trees in the dense forest of her home. She knew reinforcements were just three or four hours hard run south. But her orders were to track and slow the enemy. For the honor of Rangers she would not run!
Her slightest nod gave command to her masterful troops. They were handing picked for he by Raven, to complement her skills.The first four volleys were brutal. horses and men dropped like cut grain at harvest. This was not the high arc of untrained bowmen, but the direct fire of seasoned rangers. Keria shouted "Last Call" and on their fifth shots the rangers all picked men marked for death by their own King, and let arrows fly. She saw three hit Verdamor's mount. She snatched back the string on Zanax took aim... But just as she let fly her hip erupted in fiery pain. Her arrow struck Verdamor's thigh with such force that he stared disbelievingly . Just a hand and a half of shaft and flights sticking out, pining him to his falling mount. In the back of her mind Keria herd Raven's last order to her "Keria use your head. If you have to, drop the bow and run." Listen to me I CAN! live with out it. She was a hundred and fifty yards from her last shot, running flat out. When she looked down. The first thing she saw was the bow she had a death grip on. The second was the broken crossbow bolt sticking through her upper hip.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

It was an armor pierce-er. Not a lot of damage like a broad head but enough all the same one of her belly plates had a nasty dent and the bolt had slid off and in to her hip. She looked to her side seeing the head sticking out her back. Keria knew that the men in plate mail would be slowed by the trees and underbrush but not enough. And if she left a blood trail they would not stop hunting her till she was dead. As she ran she thought of her options. Step one for her was head south east, head for the mill. Step two the bolt, pull it or leave it. She knew if she pulled now there would be no time to wrap it, and there would be a trail. If she left it in the wound would fester. The fever would set in, and they would have her.
Making her mind up, she paused long enough to give the shaft a test pull. The back half of the bolt ripped free. She screamed in pain, letting her foe know right ware she was. Seeing the shaft had a clean brake she quickly pulled the second half. No sooner had she removed it than a bear of a man slammed in to her. On her way to the ground Keria twisted with cat like grace and speed she plunged the bolt shaft in to her attacker's neck. Stopping only when her hand met his skin, rolling the rest of the way out from under him just before the four hundred pounds of man and armor crashed to the ground. She looked at the man as he rolled around clutching his neck. Out of mercy she drove the second half in to the base of his skull, staggered to her feet and ran.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Raven#

In another part of the same forest Raven and two hundred of his men had problems of their own. Three times they had fallen back. Each time the enemy had felt their sting. Piles of bodes littered the ground maybe a thousand dead.
Gods have mercy where did they all come from, Raven thought to himself. One more fall back point. And they were moving there now. After this we draw sword against an army that out numbered us fifteen to one he though. As they reached the line the rangers picked their first preset arrows, drew their bows, and held for the command. Raven looked down the lines. All set?... good. He feared not for himself but for his men. Two in ten of the enemy wore full plate. His men wore leather. He knew that mathematically theystood no chance. But they could not retreat. The village needed more time. He and his men would pay for that time in blood. Raven quickly questioned the cost, made up his mind, and announced: "Rangers... RANGERS! The people behind us are MY people MY village. And you are MY Rangers. So the choice is yours DIE here WITH ME. Or run, and fight later."
Some ware in one of the lines some one actually laughed out. As one, two hundred Rangers redrew their bows, aimed, and fired as. Hand on his light blade Raven stood proudly. For the second volly he commanded "Rangers take their bowmen". Two hundred arrows flew to soft armored men.
The enemy commander seeing his archers targeted, ordered the charge "Flank right!" A thunderous wave of over a eight hundred men moving fast and hard.
Raven seeing the charge did the math. Then he barked out in the ranges code. The really long version being. First and second ranks hit their armor. Third and fourth double arrows to the front left side. Ranks two to four draw swords and drop your arrows for the first rank. In the code its ten words and fast enough for their needs.
As the last full volley was fired one hundred and fifty seasoned rangers raced down hill trying vainly to keep up with their commander. Raven saw it but did not fully accept it to his far right there was a glimmer of mounted knights.They were rounding a bend in the road and were slowly emerging from the wood line. Knights flying his King's Banner!

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Keria#

Exhausted and wounded Keria Ran, leaving a blood trail a half dead blind man could fallow. She had planed to lead the enemy away from her troops. In truth that was her only plan right now.
Her men however had other ideas. As the enemy turned to fallow her, her rangers stopped drew a line and fired their remaining arrows. Then drew swords and charged the remaining forces.
Keria hearing the fight turned back, bow strung. She let fly arrow after arrow. Till the quiver was empty. As the last arrow found the last enemy target she dropped to her knees unable to move. Her rangers quickly came to her aid. Feeding her hurb bread and honey as they inspected her wound. But no sooner had they bandaged her side than they were set on by a second wave of troops. Keria barked the code (run south) staggered to her feet and started moving south east again. In her mind she thought <I am an easy target. The enemy will fallow me. My men will regroup rearm and hopefully avenge me.
For days the enemy tracked her. The snows fell hard over the next week.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Raven#

For Raven the fight almost seemed one sided. His men were the best to be found. With the King and two hundred of his legendary horsemen. the enemy didn't stand a chance. Not even at odds of almost three to one.

As the fight came to an end the King approached. "Well met" he called out before dismounting to meet with Raven on even ground. " Raven your men are... I have not the words."
Raven bows his head "Thank you my King. We are yours as you see fit."
The King replied "You have men in need. As soon as you are ready you should go to them. And one more thing Duke Raven. They are your men now!"

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Raven stood watching for but a moment as his king remounted. Then turned to his men. His voice raised above the talk of the men. "RANGERS! Your king has dismissed you to your homes! The war is over. You may return to your loved ones. I have Rangers in harms way and must see to them. How many of you would like to join me in my further challenges for OUR land?"
His answer was fast returned. The roar echoed off the trees for miles. One hundred and forty two voices swearing fealty at the top of their lungs.
The King grinned looked to his knights and spoke. "How many of you would be led by him like that? How many of you would ride to the gates of hell! For a chance to serve the man who was my fathers champion and now is my champion?"
In answer fifty six knights broke ranks moving forward. The Kings grin reached from ear to ear. Duke Thorbeorn leaned towards the King and said. "Your majesty this is why we would never have lost to the northerners." The King nodded "Thor we will never lose with men like these beside us. Die to the last man woman and child but never fail."

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Keria#

Keria's heart was pounding. It had been to long since her last meal, her last sleep, even the last time she had seen his face...
Why would Raven's face come so easy to her mind at a time like this. Another enemy hustles past just a few feet from where she lay. She thinks to herself if she told herself the truth she had strong feelings for him. How honest could she be with herself at a time like this? Why couldn't these questions wait for... no she heart was right there was only here and now. Her feelings were not the type, being one of the best rangers under his command would bring about either. In fact she couldn't remember not having this craving, to touch her lips to h....No those thoughts will get you killed out here she thought. But there is no promise of tomorrow. And a kiss from him would make these simple pains go away.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Raven#

Two days Raven and his men were in combat. Fallowed by A quick resupply one hot meal and two days of a running march. the Rangers crawled on their bellies for another two days to get in place.
This was the dedication his rangers had. These enemies would leave their woods or be forever haunted by them. But now came the wait it took only a few hours for the enemy troops to start coming through this clearing.
Raven could smell blood in the air, no bird noises. His swords at the ready he lay waiting. There was the first chirp. He thought I wish I had Zanax no. I'm sure she needs it more. We will make them pay for hurting her... these are NOT the thoughts of a general commanding four companies of troops. These were thoughts of a man devoted to one... Lt Kalenia lay motionless aginst Raven's side.
His mind flew back to their first meeting
She scared him some times. They were burning her as a witch two years ago. Raven and his men saved her. Only to discover the enemy towns guards were right. Kalenia saw things... visions, and more she could see in to your sole. One at a time or an entire army. Of course no one but Raven had a clue if the rumors were true and no one cared. Kelenia was a witch and wormed her way in to your heart. That and she was a Ranger never far from Ravens side in camp. And rarely ever seen outside.
Brought to the here and now with a single touch
Kalenia grabbed Ravens elbow and signs: Raven trust your men. They make you proud. To day Fight as a man. Raven signed back: I am a man. She responded: No! Right now your trying to be a leader. You have done that part the men are ready, they are in place, And they are mighty as a group. Let them Be a group. You be a man who wants her back. You be a man who needs to see her. You do that and all will be well. Raven nodded just as the second signal sounded.
Then it came the sound of six or seven whistling head arrows aimed at enemy troops. The third signal sounded Rangers flew from their hiding spots. Right in the middle of the enemy movement stood one hundred and sixty Rangers all firing Bows or swing swords. Raven Belted out a battle cry witch shook the men around him down to their core. Kalenia was right, for the first time in years he was a man fighting for one simple goal. Not a general fighting to hold a line or take a position. Today he was fighting for Keria. Today he was making a path she could get home on. And he was carving it through the heart of the enemy's strongest troops. Some of his own men openly stopped and stared if but for a few fractions of seconds. Later around campfires it would be told that none had seen him fight like that in ten years. Bodies thrown aginst trees. Men crushed into the ground. Not many wanted to see it ever again.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ But one did, she had been laying in the snow. Enemy marching past her. Cold, tired, hungry, and alone. Then she heard the birds chirping. But there were no birds in these wood. Not this time of year. She was sure of it, but there they were again. Keria's eyes widened could it be. She lay, heart in her throat afraid to breath. Then came the screech of the whistlers. Instinctively Keria snapped to her feet. knocking one of the enemy troops off balance. quickly she spun the bow Slamming the tipped the end in to his head with all her might. She stood but for a few moments unable to move. The lack of sleep, food, and blood loss had taken its toll. She dropped to her knees exhausted beyond pain. She could hear the fighting. She could even see it in what vision remained. For what felt like hours she sat drawing strength. It was all she could do. With the last of her energy she drove the bow in to the snow upright in hopes that an ally might find it and her. As she fell she felt the ground come up to meet her but it was warm and safe, with arms that held her close.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Raven couldn't remember a thing that he ever wanted, that he couldn't earn it. Today was no exception. The enemy had made only two mistakes. The first was trying to hunt a ranger in their own land. The second proving far more detrimental was coming between Raven and Keria. For that they payed in scores.
He reached her sliding to catch her as she fell. With in seconds the battle was over. The big commander carrying Keria as if she wade nothing. I looked nether left nor right his eyes not leaving her face till night fall. Kalenia would be his only council this day, this night. Her alone could convince him the lay Keria down on a camp bed to treat her wounds. A good place had been found for camp. They would rest for three days maybe four then head for their home.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Keria awakend to dreamland finding his face two or three times during the day. She knew she slept because she was floating the hole time. She was awakened for evening meal and the cleaning of her wounds but for the most part was allowed her rest. Each time she was awakened she would see him there. Close enough to touch. Once she even caught him praying to the Gods.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Keria's eyes flew open. Her body moving before remembering her wounds. Kelenia was instantly by her side calming her as Keria looked around the tent. Kelenia spoke: "Its ok my lord your safe. He brought you here two days ago. Can you eat something? You will need your strength for the journey home." "Home" Keria asks? "Yes my lord, we are going to Raven's home." Keria shakes her head to clear the cobwebs. "High lords Raven's home but why?" Kelenia blinked for a long second looked at Keria... "Oh yes My Lord, Master Raven and all his men have been released by the king. We are to return to our homes. So many of the rangers have signed on as Master Raven's personal forces." Keria tried to process all the information. "But we have not won. I... I mean what about Marshal Verdamor and his men? What about the rumors to the west? What about the late frost? How does the king plan to deal with a kingdome in ashes in the midst of chaos and destruction? Without Raven and his troops to cover the flanks, the behind the lines missions, the raids, the fricken protection of the kings peasants on the borders, and... and who will ride into hell when the King needs his as-life saved again how?! And are the Rangers finally getting payed for the last five years of service?!" As She lay panting for but a few moments then looked to Kelenia eyes widening in recognition of the look on Kelenia's own face. Then slowly she spoke again how... "How long has the King been in our camp." "How long Ranger?!" From outside the tent came the unmistakable voice of the King himself "Long enough to hear the ramblings of a mad woman. One who keeps going on and on about how poorly trained her King is and how idiotic his plans are to save his kingdom." The King stepped through the flap with Raven in toe. "But my lord you may have a point just between you and I." Keria lay mouth open and eyes wide in shock and horror. Your your Majesty I" she was cut short by the raise of the Kings hand. "My good lord Master Raven has been my fathers advisory and is mine. It is very clear to me that you and he share the belief that your troops have been wronged in their lack of pay. And the work they have had to do to keep us all alive. I DO NOT disagree with you two but I cant pay them the coffers are all but empty the war has been too taxing on the thrown and we are crumbling. We as a kingdom may... no we have one Allie from across the sea that we have not heard from if they do not bring good tidings soon we as a kingdom are finished." As the King finished Raven stepped in "Keria I have already told the King that I will be paying the Rangers that remain under me, in land and coin. As for what I or the King owe you he has issued orders giving you right to his stables and armory or I can pay you in coin and the King will give me the rights to your freedom of service.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Keria spoke. "My King Im so sorry for my outburst! As for pay I would chose to serve MY Lord Raven and be paid by him as he sees fit." Raven looked to his king. "Your magisty, The rangers have colected two hunderd and fifty pieces of gold and five hundred pieces of silver. As a Duke of the kingdome I here by turn it all over to you to do with as is needed." The King turned to Raven "but how will you pay the rangers we will need them soon. It is too much to ask of you and your men. You have given freely everything of yourselfs." Raven replyed "Fear not my good King. I have spoken to the King to the north and made arangements for our men."

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Raven went on to explane "You see My mother should have been rightfuly the next northern queen. But I have secured the nothern kings clame to the throne witch strengthens you alince with him and I get to keep my fahers land in your kingdom. Its a win for every one involved." "So what happens when he dies" the King asked. Raven replyed ""When that happens I propose a marage between my oldest sisters son and your daughter this will unite the two kingdoms under one rule. with you and my sister as caretakes of the northern lands until the children are ready to take the thrones."

 

[Raven_Timothy]

And so the talks went well in to the night. Paused only to move to another tent so that Keria could rest.
By morning Raven was giveing orders to his men. Half of his men he broke down in to squads all sent to find the other ranger companys and offer work and pay. The other half were sent about cooking, clearing brush, cleaning armor, makeing repairs, sharpening swords, replaceing arrows, and all at what seemed a rather slow and restful pace. Raven thought about the orders he was given last night. Planing who to take with him, who to leave here. Sixty four men two weeks should do he thought. The Knights sworn to him would go to his home and prepare for the jobs ahead of them. Some would start teaching new soldier. Some would be charged with keeping the peace. The rest would train like they never had before.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Three days of rest and preparation had passed. Raven took much of his council in Keria's tent, leavening her side only when required. What little she was awake she would spend I silent contemplation or talking with Kelenia. Kelenia spent much of her time feeding Keria teas and herbs. Drugging her to sleep and boosting her natural healing. Kelenia spent a lot of time laughing at the play set before her. Both of "them" acting like nothing happened. She knew full good and we'll that the two needed eachother, she didn't need special gifts to see that much.
After carefully selecting the four teams he gathered each team and issued their orders. Team one was sent to speed an answer for the King. Team two was sent to all the dukes that had sworn fealty to Raven during the war. They were to gather at his great hall for a council.
Three and four were to scout the borders. Commander Balory would take his team to the west. Not much was expected there by all accounts but Balory could find allies a sewers on on the tops of mountains that even goats wouldn't climb. If trouble found him it had best retreat. And if there was nothing to find then Balory could use a rest. Raven's team would take the east, Kelenia would go with his team. If the story's were true he might well need her healing ways before is men saw their home fires again. Naturally Raven expected Keria to go home with the Knights where she could rest and heal... where she would be safe, don't lie to yourself fool.

Keria on the other hand had no intentions of letting Raven out of her sight. It was time she stopped playing the loyal Ranger and showed he how she felt. And soon she told herself, before one of them were dead. She used to tell herself that if she could die in his service that that was the greatest honor she could hope for. It was definitely time to stop playing games with her own heart.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Time would come soon enough when a good fight was needed.
But Raven would be damned if he would fight every female in his camp. What kind on rebellion was this anyway. It had started before first light. Keria had crawled over to where he was sleeping, that much he knew. Two things struck him as odd about this. One being that she had crawled over to him had placed her face inches from his, and then she woke him. He never felt the disturbing presents of another person in his tent. And two yes why had he simply opened his eyes the way he did. He was not startled by her. She had not spoken his name. She had even managed to slip her hand between his head and his pillow. By the Gods it must be time for him to be put to pasture.
She had spoken softly to him. It was so soft so nice that he didn't put up a protest of any kind at first. There was something in her eyes. It was begging him to comply with her.. with her what wishes? No, her need she needed him to not argue with her. Damned if that was going to happen. He had spoken to her the night before. Told her she was going home to recover. She hadn't said a thing then not even a sound... but this morning, he could hear her words echoing over and through every conversation he had had. " Please Raven [that was not what she said stop putting words in her mouth] Please let be be with you, by your side. Don't send me away anymore." It was almost childlike the way she said it and yet at the same time it was most definitely not the tone of a child. He had never heard a woman use that tone with him...
And then there was the witch.[don't call her that, you have never called her that. But she never outright defied him before.] Kelenia had went and packed Keria's mount for Ravens trip east. Not Keria's trip home like he had ordered her to. She even picked a second horse for Keria's extra war gear and and and she had put the damn horse right next to his. Were they all going mad or was it just him. On the matter he was about to drop the gauntlet but he stopped midstep he literally stoped. Kelenia was one of his best Rangers she was absolutely fearless. She was a seer and she was a... she was the voice of reason at many a campfire. She was his most trusted council. He would abide by her wishes. Keria would go with him.

 

[Raven_Timothy]

Keria#

She had listed frozen with horror as Raven gave is commands from just outside of her tent. He couldn't even take the time to look her in the eye when he ripped her heat out and stomped it into the snow?! Kelenia sat watching Keria's face. She new but would not openly defy Raven... or would She? The look on Kelenia's face was that of a disapproving mother watching her children fight. Keria looked to Kelenia "I can't go back. Not without" Sharply Kelenia cut in" Keria, Raven said you should go home and heal. Now tell me girl where is your HOME?" Keria blinked startled by Kelenia's bluntness. Kelenia gently put her hand on Keria's shoulder more softly now "tell me no lies girl. Is your home beside him like mine is? Or is there anywhere in this great country where you would call home? Or yet is there more to you than the debts you own him?" Keria thought long before responding" He is my sunshine and my rest" what ever debts there were between us were long ago settled. I simply love him." Kelenia smiled "Then we go with him. Both of us care deeply for him in our own ways and for our own reasons. Then we stay with him till he understands we will not go." Keria let tears street down her face and she hugged Kelenia close, tears of pain, loss, frustration, and joy. She cried till her eyes were empty. And with no more tears for either of them they started their plot aginst Raven's direct orders.
The next morning she had left her tent to try and reason with him one last time. And she bent down to slip through the flaps of he
Is tent she listened. Hearing nothing she lay on the ground a crawled to he bed. He did not move. She even feared him dead. Feather light she touched his lips with her fingers. She could feel his breath... her head rose slightly her lips parted from his... She had kissed him? She had. His eyes opened before she could move or even think. But did he know? She ask, she pleaded with him. But that stubborn man should have been names Mule, not Raven. And she was sure he and anyone around knew this information.
In the rest of the camp Kelenia and her plans were being executed in the stealth fashion the female Rangers were legendary for. Tents had been packed by first light. Every man who had been pulled from Ravens squad had been informed of their new duties. They had even been helped to pack so that they could be gone by first light. By the time the first campfire breakfasts had been placed on the first plates Raven was the only man left in camp.