Fugitive from justice.....

[Merelan]

She had run away, days ago. A lifetime ago. Did it matter? All that mattered was that she was free to run where she chose, eat when she wated, sleep when she was tired. No longer was she at the whim of that man. the man her parents had sold her too.
His filthy hands would no longer touch her, ever again. Nor anyone else. For they lay at the side of his body, along with other parts. In her rage she had killed him, and dismembered him, mutilating him in ways she had long dreamed of. What he had done to her all those years was awful, but what he had done to Layla had been worse. Taking the poor girl from her family, barely of age.
Binding her to a pole in the yard and letting his guards use her, for days. Helene had been locked in the tower the whole time, chained to the wall, but forced to watch through the window. Forced to hear her scremas as one after another used her, beat her, played with her. Taking her every hole for their pleasure. Then, when she had passed out getting their dogs to toy with her, and
then worse.
Shaking her head Helene kept moving. It was after the worse that he had come to her. Whipped her, beat her. Then using his favorite tools had fucked her while his guests had watched. Making her beg, making her do things for them, and to them she
hated. Hated him. Killed him in her rage. One second of slackness and he died. Not slowly like Layla, but swiftly. Only after she had come too, his blood on her, and the walls surrounding her had she realized what she had done, and fled. Fled down the corridors to her room, grabbing up a cloak to cover it and then fleeing. Running as fast as she could. Into the woods. For days,
years....

Finally exhausted, falling down a hill, over and over, something snapping and she blacked out. Unable to stand the pain or exhaustion anymore, wanting to die now. It was okay to die now.




OOC This is an open thread.... only thing is... cgraven shall be playing a wolf who rescues me. Anyone want to try to catch me? Be the guards? the son of the man I slaughtered?

 

[cgraven]

She was running heedlessly deeper in to these accursed woods into a realm neither of man nor the Faye bout where both brushed each other where magic and power of brute forced contended for domination, a land the lacked a ruler, to bring it peace and balance.

My soft golden eyes followed her. I loped along watching her every move. Was she the one that I had seen in the vision the one who needed help protection guiding? Only time would answer that question. Then the fall, as she tumbled down the slope. She was not in this world or the other when I arrived at her side but in some place in between, a limbo of the dark abyss where the mind goes to hide from pain, or when it needs rest. I could not bring her back so ther thing I dread most I did. And the pain of it tore at my soul.

I carried her to the warm den I used in this part of the woods, an underground hall. I dressed her sprained ankle, prepared food then slipped away to watch and study her.


Was She the one?

 

[Merelan]

I came to slowly. Head pounding, ankle . Sitting up. I was in bed somewhere. Not the castle. Had i been caught. Yes.
But they had bound my ankle. Why? All that would happen was that his family would torture me till death, for they had long hated me. I lay back unable to move. For my ankle throbbed.
The place tasted wrong. The air didn't hold the feel of a prison or a cell. I was thirsty. And there was a glass, water. drinkign it down swiftly. Feelign it rebel in my empty stomach.

"Hello?" Was I alone? Where was the guard? Could I escape while he was gone?
I pulled myself up, and the world tipped, I fell back again. Tears starting. No. Willing them away. No matter what happened he was dead, and whatever they did to me was nothing to what he had done to me in the past. I bore the scars to prove it.

 

[cgraven]

I watched as the sleeping potion took its effects.

Then I stole silently to her side. i quickly removed her tattered and torn clothing. I bathed her delicate body with warm scented waters, the sent of spruce and cedar masking her sent.

I then dressed her in warm woolens of neutral earth tones so she would blend in to her surroundings and left a bow and quiver of arrows for her along with a short hunting sword, and a sharp dagger then again disappeared into the shadows.

 

[Merelan]

When I again awoke, I feltlighter. Not so weighed down. Then I realized.
I was changed. My clothing fresh and clean.Not the rags of my escape, nor the silks of my slavery. But, like, like an ordinary woman's.
Sitting up I felt better. So stood, keeping the weight off my ankle.
Judgingby the sun I had only slept a few hours, or else through the day. Who had done this. Pushing back my hair.
My hair? It was silken and combed, as if. Rapidly pulling at the clothing, though careful not to hurt it. Someone had washed me. Had they used me too? No. I did not feel it. A dagger, a bow? I had no idea how to use that. But the dagger slipped into the top of the boots lying there. They fit perfectly. Someone was toying with me. Why? Was this part of the revenge? To make me feel free?
"Thank you." hispered to the winds. As long as I breathed I could survive. He had taught me that. Winding up a blanket and tying it with some string. it would come in handy at night.
Stepping out I stood still.The silence around me deafening. But i stoopd and listened, and I began to hear. It was not silent. Their were birds, and chitterings. A squirrel arguing up the ner tree. The wind through the leaves. Closing my eyes I stepped out, afraid it would only be to find an arrow through me, or worse. My eyes opened. It was sunny and beutiful. I had slept through the day.

Where to?

 

[cgraven]

Watched as she steeped out. Her senses becoming attuned to the environment she now found he self in. I shook my head as she had left the bow, quiver and short hunting sword behind. Well she would have to meet Roderick who would teach her their use and how to survive.

 

[Merelan]

Wandering, touching. Unable to believe this world existed. Closing my eyes I felt it alive. Almost feeling the sap in the trees flow, the birds above me mating. A group of flowers at the base of a tree were her undoing. Helene knelt, softly touching the yellow flower. Layla would have known what they were.
Layla. Layla. Shy, sweet and innoccent. So young, naive.
So dead.
Crying out to Helene as they had dragged her off to be the entertainment. Begging her to save her, help her. Even as she was raped, over and over, cut and mutilated she had called out her name. The last sound from her lips a whisper. Helene had gone mad then, that was why they had chained her up.
The tears started again, and would not stop. The pent up anger and hatred, the fear, the disgust. Ripping the pretty things from the ground and crushing them, throwing them aside. Screaming to the winds her useless feelings. Then falling to the ground and crying. Heart sick and fevered.

 

[cgraven]

Roderick watched the tormented display and the in a voice as soft as the wind he calls out to her in the most tender of voices.

“Helen my dear sister Layla knows that you did all that you could . Do not disappear, she hold you nay to fault., but that wanted destruction of innocent beauty you have committed would nay pleas her nor does it sever any purpose.”

I toss the bow, quiver and hunting sword at her feet.

“If you expect to survive then best you learn how to use these.”

 

[Merelan]

A voice startled me. I jumped, wiping off th etears, a weakness not allowed. A man, one of his men? I stayed kneeling, almost missig his words. Adopting the servile postion, hands resting on my knees, head bowed.

Sister? Without thought I looked up at him. Sister?

He dropped the items atmy feet, I stared without comprehension.

"I cannot use these. I am not, not a hunter. I am but a low servant, only taught in the ways of pleasing my Lord and his guests." Maybe this was a test, to see if it was the one who had killed him. Maybe he wasn't sure. Sister?
Keeping my head bowed, only looking at his feet.

 

[cgraven]

“Get up woman and nay play me the fool “Me Lady” Helen….. Layla was my sister and your enemies are mine………If you wish to survive and not meet a fate worst than Layla’s I suggest that you come and learn the use of the bow and sword or surely you are lost………My name is Roderick”

Turning I strode off into the woods at the easy loop of the hunter. Nay did I turn to see if she followed.

 

[Merelan]

Stunned I raise my head. His sister? He must hate me, want me dead. I should have prevented hers. Tears stremed down my face. Rising slowly, I gathered the bow and quiver. Unsure of even how to carry it. Following behind him, slower. Hoping he lost me, but accepting my fate. If he was her brother. I deserved whatever he chose. Was it pleasure he sought?
He could have had me while i lay sleeping, for it must have been he who saved me.
Why? I was his sister's reason for dying as she had. I tried to walk silently. but my ankle hurt so, and was swelling. Limping from tree to tree, trying to keep him in sight.

 

[cgraven]

I look back as Helen limps from tree to tree. Unsure of even how to carry the bow.

“Sling the quiver over your shoulder so you can reach the arrows easily, carry the bow in your left hand.”

Roderick was soon out of sight, but a gray shadow with pricing golden eyes followed the woman just on the edge of her vision. A shadow not quite real but protective in nature. Fading from sight if you tried to look directly at it.

 

[Merelan]

He was right, it was easier, and left a hand free to sling to the trees. it seemed like hours but finally she collapsed, unable to make it further, her ankle screaming, her body in need of rest. But one look at his retreating back and she knew. He woudl leave her here to die. And though just hours before she had beenr esigned, even longing for death, that wasn't the case now. Ripping a piece off the bottom of the dress she bound her ankle tighter. Then using the dagger cut off a young sapling. it would have to do. Using it as a crutch to lean on. Half dragging her foot she continued, lips clenched so as not to cry out when she stepped on the ankle. refusing to let him see her give in.

 

[cgraven]

She staggers and nearly falls as I watch from the shadowed depth of the forest. Some would say the hunts man was cruel to the woman. No on the contrary he knew these woods and the dangers that lurked there, only the strong of will and cunning survived the weak and feeble of mind perished in agonizing death. Helen must walk or die.

Even as she thought her self alone the silent golden eyes watched her, evaluated her every move and action. Ears peeked, nostrils flare as the sent catches on the wind. Not much of a warning but enough.

A screeching scream of the cat beast as it leaped at Helen, she turned at the cry. Then a blur of grayish brown fur as the Wolf hit the cat just before it reached Helen. Claw and fang ripped at each other in a short vicious battle. The Cat had not known of the Wolf’s presence and was taken by surprise, and that edge made the difference between life and death. The Wolf lived and the Cat died its severed throat pouring out the last of its life onto the forest floor. Wolf bloody but whole licked his paw, turned his golden eyes on Helen , then looped off again into the forest shadows.

 

[Merelan]

A wail escaped me as I see the cat, unable to do anything. Not even run. I fall, tripping over a tree root. But instead of death, there is a wolf. He snarls and leaps, tearing at the cat. The fight only seconds as he rips it's throat out. Turning to me next. I cower, meeting it's eyes. Unable to even cry out for help, holding my cane in front of me, and knowing it was no help.
But instead it leaves, sinking into the woods as quietly and quickly as it came. Kneeling there I break down. Blood from the cat on my tunic, sprayed from it's severed throat. Swallowing hard I force myself to stand. The bastard didn't even turn to see if I lived or died. Was this his test? To torture me here in the woods, drag me from place to place. i coultn' go on much further. The adreniline from the fight draining from me quickly. but I was determined. Slapping my face a few times I brought myself around. Looking down at the dead cat.

"Thank you." Whispering it to the wind, to the wolf. To whatever had made it cross my path at the right time. I would take from it's strength and lean on it. Squaring my shoulders and fighting my revulsion I followed Roderick again.

 

[cgraven]

The fire is a low hunts men’s fire enough to give warmth and comfort but no smoke, it could be held in a persons cupped hands. A hot meal is ready, a small cup of ale set by the plate.

“Me lady your where very lucky today, the Cat almost had you………. You must think me cruel, but if you do not learn to be strong to use the weapons you carry you will not long survive……………Tomorrow we will reach the forest Hall there you will commence your training….now eat.”

Roderick ate in silence a bandage on his right hand. After eating he prepared a draft and brought a small container of salve. Reaching into his pack he drew out a pair of breeches, the form fitting type of the woodland rangers in a forest brown.

“Put these on me lady and let me see that ankle of yours.”

 

[Merelan]

I sink by the fire and relax, my ankle in so much pain. His soup is good, and the ale strong. my head swims.
I only notice his bandage as he hands me the trews. "You got hurt. How?" Taking them, realizing what he had said. His smug voice. Damn him. I stand and drop the skirt on purpose, letting him see my lower half, in the nude. No shame, I know I am attractive. Then slowly I pull on the trousers. Wincing as I stand on my ankle.

"Training? What for?"

 

[cgraven]

“Me Lady train for survival. You are no longer in a keep, though you survived, under terrible condition this is a land foreign to you it is where the magical and the real come together. Each side ignorant of the other.”

I let the words sink in.

“Besides I do believe you started a blood feud and I am sure his kin’s men will come looking for you, and death would be a blessing for what they have planed for you. Your fate would be the same as my sister’s.”

I examined her ankle and treated it with the anointment.

“Now drink this it will help you sleep and you should be able to travel in the morning.”

The sight of her half naked body had fired my lust but now was neither the time nor place for such thoughts. Moving away from the fire into the night shadows I stood guard as she slept my golden eyes never still for long.

 

[Merelan]

I slipped off, due to the potion but I had seen the lust in his eyes. hH would rape me as soon as I slept. Well, so be it. It wuld be no different then my life had been.
My last thoughts... too bad, he was sweet, and handsome, rough and wild. Like I liked them. But I bet he knew how to please a woman.
But my mind clouded and I slept.

........................

I only awoke as a ray of light hit my face. Light? I slept in the dark, unless with a guest. No. I wasn't there anymore. remembering the night before. Sitting up slowly and looking around. There was no one. Had he? I felt under my clothes. No. He hadn't touched me. Why?
Wasn't I pretty enough for him? he had so many choices out here? Half angered, and half pleased he hadn't. I managed to get up, my ankle feelign stronger. Finding a bush and hiding behind it as I peed. Wishing I had water.
For cleanliness had always been important to Himself, that I be clean and ready, now, it was habit.
I settled back down, still sleepy, finger combing my hair as I waited. Not knowing where to go or to whom.

 

[cgraven]

The night was long, the creature of the forest that prowl by the moon’s light but natural and magical came near to the sleeping prey, but the low throaty growled stayed their approach, I howled to my pack and they answered with the cry of the wolf.. A wolf alone and cornered is a fearsome thing , yet the pack acting as one is a force not lightly to be contended with . Morning first light dispelled the shadows of the night as they slinked back into the forest primeval.

Roderick was at the fire, a simple breakfast prepared .

“Me Lady” Helen will thy sleep all day ?... tis near to six all ready”

His voice was light and teasing. He tossed a pair of soft leather hunting boot to her as Helen rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

“Eat Lass. We have far to travel this day, I think you’ll find these fit well and will ease you ankle.”

Roderick knew well the medication had done its job as ther was no sign of swelling in that delicately turned ankle.

 

[Merelan]

"Thank you." Suddenly feeling shy. Pulling on the boots. They fit well, even though she had long thin feet. How had he known?

"That smells good. May I serve you?" Not knowing who was who. Only wanting him not to leave me.

"In the night, I heard, howling. Was it you who chased it off? Or," remembering the wolf and the cat, and shuddering. "Is he a tame wolf?" Why was I babbling?

 

[cgraven]

‘’Yes that would be a pleasure if you did the honors Me Lady.”

I smiled at Helen’s comment about a tame wolf. Cocking my head, my golden eyes boring into her, searching her soul through her eyes.

“Helen a tame wolf that he is not. Magical perhaps, but I assure taws not I who chased him off. “

I accepted the food from her hand our fingers meeting as she passed it to me. They lingered touching each other a moment longer than necessary and I was want not to break that contact as it stirred something deep with in me.

“No Me Lady Helen he is the lord protector of this strange forest. Natural as well as magical. No I could not drive him off even if I wanted to.”

There was a sad longing in my eyes as I spoke. We ate the rest of the meal in silence.

 

[Merelan]

It disturbed me, this man. He was aroused by me, I had felt it, seen it. I knew the signs. But he kept his distance. Not responding to my fingers, only pulling away.
I sat back, pecking at the food. Not use to having someone see me eat. For in silence, and often in darkness I had taken my meals, sometimes stolen from the kitchen.

"Protector of the forest? Why then protect me? I do not belong here. I don't know where I belong anymore." My voice trailing off, my eyes distant. her screams in my ears, again. Fighting hard to fight back the tears. I would not cry.
Her life was better ended.

"Magical? how?"

 

[cgraven]

I see the tears well in Helen’s eyes and guess at the reason. Reaching out a hand I dry them with my thumb then catch one on the tip of my finger, taste it then run the finger across her lips.

“Me lady she would not want you to remember her sorrow and pain only the joy.”

There is shock surprise in Helen’s eyes at my touch.


“This is where the world of the Faye and man meet all things are possible her.”

My lips brush hers then I pull back.

“Tis time we be on our way Helen.”

So an other day of rapid travel starts as we follow the path to wolf’s liar. Helen must learn quickly for the forest already speaks to me of the invaders.

 

[Merelan]

“Me lady she would not want you to remember her sorrow and pain only the joy.”

I am stunned as he wipes away the tear with his rough thumb, licking it, then rubbing my lips. I gasp.

“This is where the world of the Faye and man meet all things are possible her.”

My lips brush hers then I pull back. There I knew he wanted me, wanted my body. But he stops and pulls away.

“Tis time we be on our way Helen.”

"But. Don't you want. I don't mind. Am I not attractive to you? We could dally here awhile." But the look in his eyes tells me nop. He is a silent and strong man. There is something holding him back. Does he not know what I am?

Standing.

"I would like it. I could please you, and you have saved my life, you know. It is what I am, a whore for pleasure." Rubbing my body against his, to arouse him. But firmly he pushes me away. Almost roughly.