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Vale of the White Horse
Topic Started: 5 Jan 2010, 13:03 (19,255 Views)
Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
Reserved for RP-ness!

<3
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
The journey had worn her out. The escort had tried to spend nights in settlements as much as possible, but Briallen knew that her face was white from lack of sleep. She had changed horse twice since she’d left Shadow Well and this one had an irregular stride, sending little jolts of pain up and down her aching back. Now, finally, they had entered the flowing hills of the Valley of the White Horse, territory of her intended husband. Briallen kept her eyes on the growing figure of a stronghold. There was no settlement around it; they had passed the last one half an hour ago. So this was Caer March. It didn’t look inviting from the outside. The interior would hopefully be suited for a woman’s needs. She looked sideways to Braegne, her Gaelic maid servant. She was the only other woman in her company, and the only one that would stay with her once she had been settled in the new household. If things had gone by custom procedure, Briallen thought, she would have ridden up to the small castle with the chieftain of Caer March by her side. It was uncomfortable to have been dispatched like this… In her saddlebag, she kept the letter from her uncle, sealed and signed. She had insisted on keeping the treaty herself.
‘Lady Briallen?’
She snapped up from her reverie. ‘Yes?’
Her bodyguard, sturdy Bryn, inclined his head to her. ‘We are nearly there. Do you wish to rest a bit?’
Briallen smiled wearily. She knew what he meant. ‘I’m not presentable enough?’
‘No, my lady. Anyone would see you are.’
Such a lie. She had not managed to bathe for three days. Braegne had finally settled in plaiting her greasy hair in such a tight model that it wouldn’t bother her. ‘I suppose they’ll understand that I’ll be tired from a long journey,’ she muttered. ‘I’d rather get this over with.’
‘Yes, my lady.’
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Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
The chirruping of birds woke her. Gwenllian rubbed her eyes and untangled herself from the blankets. The morning was crisp and cool, and there wasn't a cloud in sight. It promised to be a good day for traveling. She ran a comb through her hair and washed her mouth with a sip of water before she dressed herself and cleared up her little camp, removing all the traces of her small fire. Perhaps she'd reach another settlement before nightfall; sleeping on the ground wasn't really all that bad, but it didn't do much good for her back, either. Well, now it was time for breakfast. She opened her bag with provisions and peered inside. There was still enough for a couple of days if she was careful, but it would be touch and go. 'Nothing to be done about that,' she told herself and nibbled on a bit of flat bread. When she reached another village, she could get provisions like bread. There were enough edible plants and roots around too, and she knew where to find them. Meat would be slightly more difficult, but she would just have to manage without it for a while. All she really needed to do, was reach the Vale before the winter arrived. Gwenllian carried her bags to her horse and threw the blankets over the mare's back. 'Shh, it's okay, it's only me,' she told the animal and stroked the soft nose. She mounted and gently pressed her heels in the flanks. Since she left, she had moved as fast as she dared without tiring her horse, getting up at the crack of dawn and riding deep into the night. Higueid was sure to send his men after her, and she'd spent a lot of her time getting rid of her tracks as best as she could. It wasn't perfect, but the best she could do. At least they hadn't found her yet, which was some small comfort.



Eiluned knocked softly on the door. 'My lord? They have arrived.'
No answer came from inside, save for a low growl and the shattering of wood. Eiluned turned around with a resigned look on her face and walked quickly down the stairs, to the main entrance. She'd seen the party when they crested the south hill and entered the valley, and had given some last-minute orders. Their timing wasn't all that well, but then again; when was any timing where Tudwrig was concerned perfect?
The wooden doors opened just as she entered the courtyard. Eiluned shoo'd some curious servants away and assumed a business-like expression, welcoming the small group to Caer March.
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
Her eyes traveled over the meager welcoming party. One woman? She seemed to be of middle years, her hair drawn back in a knotted braid. She would expect her betrothed here, at last, to welcome his fiancée to the house. Briallen glanced at Braegne. Her servant girl seemed as lost as she was.
‘The lady Briallen of Shadow Well,’ Bryn said. She was glad for his reassuring tone and the stability of his arms as he helped her dismount. Her knees were ready to give in.
‘You must be tired,’ the woman said. Her voice was certainly not unfriendly. ‘You will want a warm bath and a change of clothes.’
‘Thank you,’ Briallen said. Despite her weariness, she must maintain the air of a chieftain’s wife. Her uncle had made her understand the importance of this treaty very well, and she was her father’s daughter after all. ‘I have a bit of my own possessions with me, but the fabrics may have been spoiled. There was a river crossing where we had some difficulties.’
‘Of course,’ the woman said, gesturing a maid servant, who hastened inside. ‘If you would follow me, my lady. We’ll have a meal for your escort ready as well.’
Briallen passed a hand over her face. Even her hands were grey and dusty. A bath would certainly be welcome. ‘Excuse me,’ she asked. ‘I was wondering – I had supposed… that lord Tudwrig would be here to see me…’
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Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
'I'm afraid our lord is still indisposed,' Eiluned answered and led Briallen through the hallway, giving the servants more orders concerning the comfort of the party. 'I hope you will excuse us in this matter, my lady. It's been a difficult time. This way.' She opened a door and stepped back to let Briallen into the room, where a maid was just finishing pouring hot water in a wooden tub.
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
'Indisposed,' she repeated, entering the chamber. It was comfortable enough - the bed was large and the tapestries on the wall were dyed in warm colours, although there seemed to be something worn about them, and the fur on the ground by the bed. 'When the message arrived that he would not be able to ride to Shadow Well, I heard that he suffers of headaches.'
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Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
A shadow crossed Eiluned's face. It was her duty to make this girl feel at home, and safe, but she wondered if it would not be fair to tell her of the strain this house was bearing. 'Headaches - yes. They often last for hours, sometimes even days. He cannot bear the light during those periods and keeps to his chambers.'
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
'I'm sorry,' she said. 'It must be a burden as a chieftain.'
Braegne, weary as she must be herself, had unpacked a clean tunic and dress. Briallen saw the woman's eyes on the maid servant. 'She can attend to me and then take a rest,' she said. 'It's not an offense, simply that I trust Braegne. Please, see that my escort is tended to. It was a wearisome travel from Shadow Well to Caer March...' she hesitated. This woman seemed a bit closed. 'Will I see him tonight? Lord Tudwrig?'
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Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
'That is quite all right, my lady, I understand.' Eiluned bowed and stepped back from the tub. She felt pity for Briallen when she thought of Tudwrig's earlier wives. Poor thing, if the same fate would befall her. 'I don't know,' said she then. 'These attacks are unpredictable and there's no telling when he'll feel better. I'm sorry.'
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
Briallen sighed as the woman closed the door. Braegne helped her undress and she stepped into the water, prying her hair free from the plait. 'I hadn't quite expected such an arrivel,' she admitted softly.
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Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
Halfway during the morning, Gwenllian halted to relieve herself. She tied the mare to a small tree to prevent it from straying and pulled her clothing up. When she had finished, she opened her saddlebag to get some food. Her horse lowered her neck to graze. 'Yes, that's tasty, isn't it? I wish it was that easy for me,' she murmured. The birdsongs of early morning had died away a while ago and she could hear other animals scurrying around, and the wind whispering - or was it the wind? She frowned, one hand on the mare's back. There she heard it again: a whisper, and a twig snapping.
'...see her tracks, there.'
Her breath caught in her throat as she recognized the voice and she ducked down behind the bushes. What was she to do now? Staying here wasn't an option; she might as well walk towards them instead. Gwenllian felt her bruised cheek and bit her lip. No, she was going to have to make a run for it. If they had her tracks and she could hear them, it wouldn't take them long before they had her. As quietly as she could, she untied and mounted her horse, ushering it through the underbrush. A stream, she decided in a sudden flash of insight. If she could reach a stream, she could shake her followers off.



Eiluned brushed her forehead with her fingers and gently shook her head. When would all this be over? It was getting on her last nerve to receive these girls as wives for Tudwrig, teach them the ins and outs of this household and then... She sighed and went back to the main hall, to see to the escort.

'It is a strange place,' Braegne admitted. 'Perhaps lord Tudwrig is really ill, and that is why they're so subdued?' She helped Briallen wash her hair, then got up to get a towel ready.
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
'Yes,' she agreed. 'And I have heard that he tried to marry two times before. Both his wives died quickly after the wedding. I don't know how. Childbirth, I think.'
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Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
Braegne draped the towel over the edge of the tub, then resumed her place on the small stool next to it. 'Perhaps they were sickly,' she suggested.
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Marieke
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She considered this in silence. After a while she got out of the bath, drying herself. The window must have a view on the garder; she could see shimmers of green from where she stood. 'It feels strange to be here as his bride,' she confessed. 'I keep thinking about home and then I realize that it's not going to come back.'
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Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
She helped Briallen dress herself and listened quietly as she spoke. 'It will stop being strange after a while, I'm sure. You just need to get used to the situation,' she said reassuringly.
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
'Yes.' She tucked her hair over the hem of the clean dress. It was her best dress, made of fine wool and dyed a delicate light blue. 'I'm sure you're right. That woman seemed to be managing this household. I wonder how many live here.'
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Sonja
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'I saw just a few servants on the way in,' Braegne said, 'and that woman seemed rather careworn. But I think it must be a big household, he's a chieftain after all.'
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
She thought about Shadow Well, were her family had lived together with the families of their servants and man-at-arms. 'The Vale is lovely. Have you seen the horse figure? We rode past it. There must be a good view on that from one of the towers.'
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Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
Braegne nodded. 'It was quite breathtaking, must be even prettier when seen from up high. I think there are a lot of nice places to take walks or sit and talk. Maybe it would help your future husband to be outside in the fresh air,' she added.
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
She smiled warmly at her maid servant. 'I will propose it to him...Once he and I have been introduced.'
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Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
There were frightfully few streams in this area. Gwenllian's heart was beating so quickly she was afraid her pursuers might hear it. Everytime her horse's hooves snapped a twig, she winced as if the sound was as loud as thunder. She wanted to move faster, but didn't dare to do so. Then, after what seemed like an eternity of constantly looking over her shoulder, she reached a small brook. Without waiting, she ushered her mare into the cool waters. There was no way she could attempt a trot here; not if she wanted the horse not to break anything. Thankfully the water splashed and fizzled over the rocks, making enough sound to cover the occasional snorting of her horse. It wasn't until the brook branched into two seperate streams that she dared to breathe a little easier. Gwenllian took the left fork and kept wading through the water until the sun was well over its highest point. Only when she was certain she was far enough that no man would jump out of the bushed to drag her from her horse, did she take the path that ran parallel to the stream. Paths were well-trodden; a few more hooveprints more or less wouldn't bother anyone, and most of them led to settlements. She needed an escort, or at least a bodyguard if she wanted to avoid this sort of situations. Perhaps she could hire one in the next village.



'I hope for you that you will soon meet him,' Braegne said. 'Do you want to go back to eat some, now?'
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
'I expect I'll be fetched when it is time for supper,' she said, staring out of the window.
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Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
It was before dusk that she reached the small settlement, and she was grateful for it. That afternoon's adventure had, if not scared her, at least made her very nervous and she would've hated to sleep outside that evening. Gwenllian dismounted in front of a small inn and tied her horse to the beam next to the door. Inside, she requested lodging and paid the room's fee in advance. She could feel eyes in her back and shifted a little uncomfortably.
'I was wondering, sir,' she started, 'if there's perhaps a bodyguard here I can hire?'
The innkeeper leered at her, specifically at her clothes. 'Well, your ladyship, miss, if you can afford it there's this here guy you could ask. Whether he takes up the job is up to him, though,' he answered.
Gwenllian clenched her hands around her bag. 'Where can I find this man?'
'Heh. Just come into the taproom after dinner and look for the most terrifying man there is. That's your man.' He grinned; an expression that made her feel uneasy.
'Thank you,' said she then and turned around. The most terrifying man she could find - that didn't sound all that promising.



'I could make inquiries for you, if you like,' Braegne offered.
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
'Oh, never mind that,' she said. It came out too blunt. She turned around to face the girl. 'You're as weary as I, Braegne. Go and see if you can find Bryn and the rest. Get something to eat. I will stay here and rest a while.'
She would have liked to keep the girl and friend close to her. Her belly was tight with unease. Still, Briallen reminded herself that they had different duties inside Caer March. She envied Braegne for a bit.
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Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
Gwenllian had her food brought up to her room to eat it in privacy. She didn't want to be seen all too much if she could help it. But when she had finished, she couldn't stall going into the taproom any longer. If the innkeeper had just told her the name of this mysterious, terrifying man, it would've made this a lot easier. Nervously, she brushed her hair and looked in her small bronze mirror, a gift from her mother on her weddingday, and pulled her clothes straight. She looked as she felt: travel-weary, but there was nothing to be done about it. Gwenllian licked her lips and walked to the taproom.
Fully half of the people present turned and looked at her when she entered the slightly musty-smelling room. It made her feel awkward, but she didn't want to show. She lifted her chin and glanced around. There were a lot of men she'd deem terrifying, so how would she know which one to speak to? She suddenly felt more lost than she'd done in her days out in the forests and plains. Then she took a deep breath and decided to walk to the far side of the room to get a good look at all those present. Once she'd seen everybody, she could decide who was the most likely to be the man the innkeeper had spoken of.



'Yes, my lady,' Braegne said and bent at the knees in goodbye. 'You can always call me if you need me.' She smiled and walked out of the room.
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
Two days, he decided. It would be enough for his leg to heal up and he’d leave the settlement. Rhywallon regretted the delay. Coins were coins, after all – in this case, a lot of them. He had heard about movement in the south east. It seemed evident that the Romans would try to reach Gwynedd through Dobunni territory, weak-faced farmers they all were.
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Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
There was a darkhaired man sitting in a corner, apart from everyone else. Gwenllian could only see half of his face, but thought he didn't look half bad. Not terrifying enough to be the man she was looking for, though. She picked her way past him, glancing over her shoulder as she did so. Her breath caught in her throat. The other half of his face, the half that had been hidden in shadows, was quite shocking - scarred and burned, and there were no curls on that side of his head. Now that was terrifying. She wondered if it was enough for him to be the man she was looking for. As far as she could see, no one else came close to this man's appearance. Well, worth a shot. She pulled her shoulders back and retraced her steps.
'Is this place free?' she asked by lack of a better opening line.
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
He turned his head slowly. The girl wore an expression he had grown familiar with: as much as she tried to look past him, her eyes slipped back to the bad side of his face. She was nervous: her shoulders were drawn up and her face looked wound. She had been travelling: her dress was worn, but of good quality. ‘It will cost you two silver coins to sit there, three to talk to me.’
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Sonja
Red & dangerous! Rawr!
Three silvers? He had some nerve. Gwenllian wondered what would be the best thing to do; pay up without protesting, or haggle a bit. She decided on the latter; she'd taken enough funds to last her quite a while, but not so much she could afford to lose three coins on simply talking. 'I can give you one silver now and buy your drinks as we talk,' she said, 'and another coin when we're finished talking.' Focussing on the eye in the good side of his face, she smiled the most disarming smile she could manage. He didn't really seem like the type to be charmed by that, but it was worth a shot.
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Marieke
Lief! <3 (and powerful!)
‘You want something of me,’ he observed, crossing his arms. ‘Out of curiosity, I’ll hear you out.’
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