The Price of Greed [ Open SL ]

[meleri]

The war was over. Salaesian troops had withdrawn, been captured or forced off the island newly christened Elysium, its golden shores already in the throes of reconstruction. For some, it was a cold and lean winter heading into the promise of Spring and better times. The poor fools trusted the hollow promises of their now-subjugated queen, believed that a new age of prosperity and good will was at hand, courtesy of the treaty and forthcoming alliance with Tresteria. As if the Tresterians would restore all that had been lost with their munificence.

Of those left alive after the wave of war crashed over the realm, there were some who felt no allegiance to their queen, no camaraderie with the Tresterians, and thus no true obedience to the letter of the law laid forth by Her Majesty. Independent and defiant, they resolved to reclaim what was theirs at any cost. Armed with the weapons abandoned by the Salaesians and the dead Avalendorian troops, they formed a collective, sharing their ill-gotten gains amongst each other, caring little for whom they waylaid or those who suffered as a consequence.

The roads leading from the shores through the forests were their particular hunting grounds, where the cover was thick and the shadows deep, allowing them the element of surprise. But the band of miscreants did not restrict themselves to mere highway robbery and the occasional beating of a fat merchant or a wagoneer bound for the castle. Their boldness grew apace with their disdain for the Queen’s justice, moving to attack outlying villages, pillaging homes and shops, or to raiding the cargo sent from ships to the shore in longboats. If the items were portable and easily taken, they were fair game. However, their spoils required off-shore sale to reap additional profits. Elysium itself was too small, too closely knit for the bandits to pawn their spoils locally, but where there was a will, there was a way to profit. Pirates circled the waters surrounding Elysium and her sister isles, willing to accept the contraband in exchange for coin; they in turn would deliver the items to other realms for sale. Profit for everyone, they called it, particularly as the pirates were further aiding the cause with the occasional attack on a merchant ship.

Comfortable with their new occupation, the band continued to spread their efforts through the realm, and with it a growing sense of dread when it came to travel through Elysium. No traveler was foolish enough to pass unarmed, much less alone; it was an open invitation to the bandits, a fresh lamb to the slaughter, so to speak. Traveling in numbers, it was agreed, was the only way to pass unmolested, especially through the forests, where the bandits were at their most bold…

Thus far, their victims had not been those with ready access to the queen, only the villagers and travelers, but as their efforts continued to go unchecked, the bandits would escalate the quality of their victims… their greed would soon be without limits as they turned their eyes on those with fatter purses and lofty titles…

[Cassandra Demarais]

The silly actions of these bandits didn't seem to faze the Duchess at all. Her husband, however, advised that they not attend the dinner party of Lord Basset that evening, knowing they would have to travel upon a few forested paths. Ever the persuader, Cassandra managed to get Henry to agree that he was simply foolish, and that they were invited to a party and therefore, should be courteous to attend it.
Perhaps, for once in her life, the Duchess might be proved wrong.

It was on the way home from the gathering, the carriage rolling along on the dirt road in its solitude, did the quietness of the night become disturbed by footsteps...moving in time with the hoof beats of the horses...silently following, watching...and waiting.
"Lovely, was it not, Henry? I told you there was nothing to worry about. If we must live on this island for awhile, we might as well enjoy what little good comes from it." Her elder husband simply nodded sleepily, slouched there in his seat as he did his best to acknowledge her. Cassandra just sighed, frowning from the lack of conversation...but you'd think she would be used to it by now. Attention moved to glance out the small window...and that was when the carriage came to an abrupt halt, a muffled call and then something heavy crumbling to the ground outside. Before she could even question it, the door of the carriage flung open with haste, and standing there before her was a dirtied man, adorned in rags that he probably called clothing, with a wide grin spread across his hideous features. Cassandra came to notice the blackened color of his teeth...or maybe he was just missing some.
"Aye, my lord...lady...we'll be takin' everythin' of value that ye may be possessin'. Hurry now!" Despite the odd...kindness to the man's tone, it was not hard to miss the sarcasm and the murderous glint in his eyes. Naturally, though, it wasn't enough to make Cassandra back down and give in...and she even went as far as to slap the man's hand when he reached in towards the defenseless Henry to claim the gold necklace about his throat.
"We will not!" she exclaimed in her annoyance. "Have you no idea who you are threatening? We are cousins to the future king...you will all be hanged for your insolence!" Her words fell on deaf ears as filthy fingers reached into the carriage to grasp her by the forearm and yank her out, as another thief would begin to strip Henry of his valuables. The old man wasn't much arguing like his wife was...and she found herself out in the cold air with disgusting breath lingering across her features as the man looked at her...that devious glint never leaving his eyes. Finally, Cassandra was afraid.
"That, my lady...makes this all even more perfect..." he hissed at her ear, causing her to cringe and shut her eyes tightly. She had noticed, before succumbing to her fear, that the driver was upon the ground unconscious as the three guards that had accompanied them were currently being held hostage by the thief's comrades.
Cassandra began to silently pray.

The shutting of the carriage door and the gurgles of lost breath made her open her eyes once more...watching as the carriage was sent on its way in a hurried fashion, and the three guards slumped to the ground at the thieves' feet with crimson smiles across their throats. Cassandra screamed in her sudden horror, moving to attempt to run...but hands took a firm hold of her once more and she heard the approach of a horse from behind...one that was about to take her further into the forest.
Because the cousin of the future king would indeed offer a hefty ransom...bags and bags of money to return her safely.

[argoshadlir]

The heaving gasps of men much younger than he, could be heard trailing behind him. Argos led the band of young would-be soldiers through their mid-day run. His trail purposely treacherous to push their bodies, young and resilient, much like his was.

Scar-riddled bare torso glistened with the mid-day sun, stained with the dust which sometimes passed with vacant winds. 10 Miles into their run and his breath was calm and collected, he peered back on occasion with the faintest of grins beneath his bearded lips, looking at the promising young men struggling to breath, some pausing to cramps at their side or to throw up which would cause them to stop but run in place.

The band traversed through the woodlands, along a familiar merchant path when the stench of death had become prevalent. Argos stopped, raising an arm to cause the others to halt as well. "There's death afoot...spread out...arm yourselves...." He muttered, turning his sole eye toward the others, motioning them to spread out.

Firm clasp against his scimitar at his side would free it from its hold. Moments passed, the stench became thicker before Argos fell upon the source. An abandoned caravan...their occupants slain and left for the wolves.

"Over here!" He called out, causing them men to close in. Eye staring out toward the woodlands. "Collect the bodies...give them a proper burial. I will go report these findings. Actions which will be taken afterwords shall be passed on to you all when I return. Understood?" He turned to look at the men with a stern glare, much like a teacher would his pupils. When they nodded in return he'd move away. "Proceed with caution...the dangers may still be about." Argos motioned with his sword around the surrounding area prompting another nod from the men.

[Nemeris Arundel]

.L i f e. had a way of slowing down when the rest of the world was spinning ever so quickly. For Nemesis, it felt like time had stopped after the war. At least while the war was happening, her mind was easily detached from what had happened before it began. And now, the emotions came flooding back to her, as the war was over and life slowly began again. Her growing stomach reminded her that time had not stood still at all. The bastard child of a dead man would soon be born, and she hadn’t yet figured out how she would handle all of it. Would this child grow to do the very same thing her son had done?

Her visions had become vague and infrequent since Brennus’ death and the war. And even her dreams had become disturbingly blank. There had been nothing for weeks; maybe even months. Alexandria had asked her to see what would become of the situation at hand, and she honestly had no idea what to tell her—what information she could give to her. There wasn’t anything but a guess. Intuition and belief. Nemesis hoped with all she could, that another war would not come from this arranged marriage Alexandria had trapped herself into. What was she ambassador for, anyway? The queen had gone off without her to their allies, seeking help. Why? Because of her damned delicate condition. Brennus. She hoped he was in hell.

And yet, there she was, at that tree where she had found his body washed up on the rocky shore under the shade of the leaves. She sat quietly on the rocks, watching the waves gently lap the shore. The image replayed in her mind. What if it really had not been him? Could it have just been someone else that looked exactly like him? Had that same unruly mess of long hair. The same Scottish appearance? Oh, and if only she could have heard his voice, she would have known for sure. She missed the disturbing excitement of fighting with him, of making his life hell.

With a heavy sigh, Nemesis carefully stood, struggling slightly in her annoying condition. She needed to go back to her manor. Since the war had started she held her residence in her castle quarters and only traveled to her manor when she needed to. Several had asked her to remain in the castle so she could be better cared for with her baby. But she missed home. And luckily enough, it had hardly been touched by the war.

She tied her cloak around herself. It did well to keep her pregnancy hidden, though she was certain most who knew her, knew already by now. Her eyes were shifted downward as she walked, watching her steps on the frozen ground. Winter was almost over, and that was a relief. She usually loved winter, but this one had been bitter and cruel with the destruction the war had caused.

When she arrived at Arundel Manor, the door was left wide open. How could that be, hadn’t she locked it? Concern rose within her and she began rushing towards the entrance. Upon entering, she heard loud crashing and moving around from up the stairs. Quickly, she ascended the stairs, but as she reached the top, three men came rushing towards her, carrying bundles of whatever they could carry in their arms. Trunks probably filled with some of her valuables.

”Put that down! Get out of my house!”
Her voice had startled them and one of the bandits swung around quickly, knocking the trunk into her. She stood dangerously close to the edge of the stairs and in the panic of being caught, the bandits acted fast, shoving the trunk into her torso, causing her to finally lose that balance. She fell, hard, tumbling down the hard stairs. The bandits ran down the steps after her, but instead of stopping, they ran out of the house.
She cried out in pain, but once she hit the landing of the stairs, and the bandits had jumped over her and left her there, she forced herself up. There was a piercing pain that shot through her body, then, and she yelled out again. Her head was spinning and she felt as if she’d throw up. But it didn’t stop her from stumbling out of her house, calling after the bandits to stop, to anyone that was nearby that would hear her to stop them for her.

She managed four or five steps away from her house before she collapsed to the ground. There was blood, she could feel it… Smell it. But she was too afraid to look. She lay on the ground, breathing heavily, hands shaking. This was loneliness… The same loneliness she knew all too well. And now, she was losing what could have been something…someone to let into her cold, bitter .h e a r t .

[viperinae]

You could count the heartbeats in the main tavern area of Delights that night. Rumors had swallowed the shores of Elysium of ruthless cutthroats marauding at their leisure, threatening to disrupt the already delicate political balance of the kingdom's structure. To a mercenary, this was the time to take advantage of the peerage, collect coin, and scourge the land clean of the bandits' rebellious taint. In days long-past, Nadja might have even cared enough to choose which side would benefit her the most.

But the sun had set on those days the moment her son took his first gasp of winter air many weeks ago.

The rumors had swept into her tavern on the clucking tongues of drunkards, ne'er-do-wells, and all manner of unsavory company. Fearsome folk, these bandits were often attributed to depravities better-suited to Caligula than the cutthroats Nadja guessed them to be. She had already known that any crime within this kingdom was a result of the ever-changing politics in the realm, and thus, was no concern of hers.

However, when these bandits intended to bring their scourge to her property, it became a somewhat personal matter.

They were few, the small, ragtag battalion sent to loot her tavern's tills, and would that they had been smarter, for they were not prepared to entire a viper's den so much as they had expected a docile lamb. To their credit, they had the element of surprise on their side, but they did not rest on the years of hardened warfare that the sinuous mother of two did. It had only been scant weeks since last she'd drawn her blades to kill, and she made quick work of the two bandits sent to scout ahead, mindful of the souvenir she had taken from one as he attempted to scale the side wall to her tiny balcony. He screamed on the way down, and bled into the hungry Elysium earth when he hit. Nadja followed, and dispatched the remaining five, and even though being a new mother once again had slowed her skills, she was surprised it was more than enough to contend with warriors who rested on the laurels of past glory, and underestimated their enemy.

The last, their commander, she let live, if only to warn and question him.

"We did not..." His breath came ragged, tired eyes darting to the gleaming blade embedded in his shoulder, piercing the dirt between the courtyard's cobblestones beneath him. "We were not expecting a warrior woman. I was told this place was...was easy money." Nadja listened almost intently, though her mind was not focused on his empty lamentations. Instead, she wondered whose sons she had killed.

"You were not expecting me, and it has cost you your lives because you did not think to investigate your enemy before launching a poorly planned attack." Nadja sounded almost maternal in her sneer, a chiding mother to a child who wept because his own rebellion had resulted in a scraped knee. However, that lilting undertone of motherly compassion was not reserved for the man who dared not move. She was kneeling beside him, her eyes drifting to the open backdoor that led into the kitchen, the darkness of the main room signifying that the attack had gone on after hours.

"What now...will you...do with me?" Nadja's attentions siphoned, like an amused predator, as she considered the rogue a moment. Without forethought she placed her hand firmly over the man's nose and mouth. He thrashed against her iron grip, the wound of his skewered shoulder weakening him and growing more severe. Moments passed, and the thrashing ceased. The silence pervaded for perhaps five minutes in time before her son's hungry wail sounded from her bedroom. Nadja felt the tug of fatigue on her psyche, and began the tiring work of cleaning up the bodies. The warning had been sent already, in that when the five men did not return, it would warrant suspicion. However, Nadja could easily guide the blame to the soldiers sent to quell the uprising.

No one would suspect a nursing mother to have been a former weapon of war, would they? It mattered not, for her actions had chosen a side for her.

[Deleted]

It had only been recently that she heard about these bandits and their crimes. The mischief that had suddenly become far more than that...almost vicious in a way. They were not killers, no. Not from what she heard. But they were careless in some cases, but at the same time accidentally ruthless...if that was a possible combination. As a promise, Terra tried not to roam the roads for too long...but it was nearly impossible to do so. She felt like she was cowering away from this small danger, when in reality, her sister and Tiernan simply wished for her to wait for her arm to heal. She was trying though, at least. She was doing that much...but restlessness would begin to take over, and she'd find herself within the saddle and checking the forest roads for any trouble. It was her job. She couldn't simply not do it because her arm was sore.
She honestly didn't expect to find any problems this day.

Terra lead Altair onto the dirt path through the trees, a light smile gracing her lips that she didn't even notice was there. She had just been for her routine checkup, so to speak, with the thief...something she probably shouldn't be grinning about. Terra would have most likely scolded herself if she were to realize how silly she looked...but for the moment, she was too enthralled with the eased movement of her injured arm that was beginning to feel better and better by the day. With Julianna's remedies and Tiernan's aid, she'd be better before she knew it..if she could just keep from damaging it further.
Of course, with such thoughts would come the cry of terror in the distance, filled with fear but rage all at the same time. A furrow of brows, she lifted her gaze down the road, knowing one of the shores were close by. There were a few houses that decorated the area, but not much...even still, with a light kick of her heel to her horse's side, she was in full gallop across the dirt.

A break from the trees, she could see the manor in the distance just as the woman collapsed to the grass. A flicker of her eyes, the three men...three bandits...were spotted rushing from the scene frantically, some with what looked to be like the lady's valuables. A low curse was muttered from her lips and she'd urge Altair faster to gain the distance between them and find herself a few feet from the fleeing men.
There would be no warning, no words to give them a chance to surrender...Terra brought the equine to the side of the man carrying the trunk, slamming her foot down atop it to force it from his grasp...therefore, causing him to trip right over it as it fell before him. Swiftly she passed him to lash out with a kick to the other's head, bringing him to his knees just as quickly as the other. Terra had to pull back on the reins and turn her mount around, gazing over towards Nemesis quickly to assure she was alright...and it was then she noticed the faint spots of blood that were beginning to seep through her skirts. But worst of all, Terra came to notice the swollen belly that she frantically cradled in her distress...and she herself almost became white with fear.
A look over her shoulder, she found the third man running for his life across the landscape, no valuables in hand, and Terra found herself letting him go...now dismounting from the saddle to deal with the other two who were beginning to get up to their feet.

They were foolish, completely stupid in their errand...injuring a pregnant woman and about to leave her where she was, most likely for dead if she did not have proper care. It nearly enraged her, disgusted her to no end...and it was why she could not trust their kind. Why even Tiernan had briefly suffered that distrust. They simply didn't care. To steal from someone was one thing...to steal and injure that person as well, was another.
Steel sang softly as it was drawn from its sheath, steps taken forward as the first man jumped to his feet, clambering over the trunk as though ready to run. Her own steps were quicker, more agile than the fool's, bringing her there before him. A knee was lifted, slamming harshly into his stomach before the pommel of her sword came down hard to the back of his head. On his knees, her free hand fisted into the man's greasy hair to yank backwards roughly to expose the skin of his neck...and drag her blade across it until the gurgling ceased and his body slumped to the ground motionless.
Almost too occupied with the single man, she hadn't notice the other in his fit of rage, charging at her in his blind fury with a small axe raised high. It was enough, still, and his large form slammed into her with enough momentum to send her into a frantic attempt at trying to remain upright; quick steps taken backwards before one of his balled fists connected with her jaw and the hard earth was at her back.

Momentarily stunned from the punch, the wind knocked out of her lungs, Terra was forced to move in her sudden discomfort as the bandit brought that axe down upon her. A roll to the side, she avoided the deadly strike and forced herself to get back up to her feet. Luckily her sword was still in hand, and she was able to bring it down upon his weapon as he was swinging up from the ground, steadying it and shoving it back down into the dirt...leaving her free to swing her own fist in retaliation, returning the favor.
Pain shot up her arm and she thought she broke her fingers against his jaw. She whimpered softly, unsatisfied with how he was able to keep to his feet, coming at her again with the axe. Blinking through the slight water in her eyes, she stood still as he came forth...before she'd once again use her speed as an advantage and sidestep to the side when he began to bring the weapon down once more...and the tip of her sword jabbed and embedded itself into his midsection, stilling him instantly in his attack. Both hands gripping the handle, Terra forced the sword into him further before he could no longer remain standing on his feet, slumping backwards and taking her blade with him.

She stood there in bewilderment, shocked at her sudden brazen yet crazed nature. She shouldn't have attacked like that, shouldn't have given them reason to strike back in such a way. They were to be taken back to the dungeons to stand trial, as the routine always went...But there she was, standing there with a few bruises, possibly a broken hand, blood at her fingertips...having killed two of them. She had stopped breathing, looking down at the fallen bodies, feeling as though she were going to be sick...until she remembered the woman in pain near the manor.
Staggered steps turned her around, leaving her sword behind, she rushed towards her horse to lead him swiftly over to Nemesis where she'd painfully crouch down at her side. Hands held out, hovering over the woman as if wanting to help but too afraid to touch her. "M'lady..." she spoke softly, out of breath, keeping her voice from cracking. "What happened? I...I must get you to a healer..." she added, glancing down towards the blood that was beginning to show more and more.
She couldn't help but panic, afraid for the woman more now. Terra knew she had to get her to the infirmary, but in her condition, rushing her full gallop on horseback may not be the best of ideas.

[Nemeris Arundel]

. S h e. felt too frightened to move. Too scared to do anything. Was this seriously happening now? After all this time...After taking care of herself to give the baby a chance of life. Now that had all been for nothing. It was dead. She just knew it was dead. And all she could do was sit there crying in agony. How much more of this life could she take? How much more? Did she seriously deserve all of this pain? What had she done so horribly in her life to deserve everything that had happened? She was her father's daughter and she had loved him with all of her heart--loved her son with all of her heart... And all of it had been taken from her. Brennus... And now his child that had been growing inside of her.

Her eyes watched as the fighting went on off in the distance. It kept herself from looking down at the pool of blood that soaked through her dress and stained the grass around her. She was shaking. Out of fear. Out of rage, she didn't know which reason came first. If she had known they would have shoved her down the stairs, she would have just let them go. A life had been lost because of the selfishness and greed of these bandits that were roaming Elysium. Gods how Nemesis wanted to just die. Right there on the ground. She wished for it.

But then she heard the shaken up voice beside her. It sounded like an echoed sound far away from her. It was then that she finally looked down and saw all of the blood. She let out a low sounding shriek of panic, as if she hadn't expected to see what she saw. Her shaking hands lifted and she covered over her face and started to cry into them. She didn't know what else to do. What good would a healer do now? So she just shook her head. "It's too late... The baby is gone..." Perhaps to one that hadn't known she was pregnant, they would have suspected she had gotten stabbed. But her words were enough to clarify what really .h a p p e n e d .

[Deleted]

It didn't matter. It didn't matter if the child was gone or not...She was bleeding out, and if the child was truly lost, it would be even worse, cause even more problems for the woman- from infection to fever to possibly death. Terra knew at least that, and it was perhaps why she was suddenly stammering for words, searching frantically for what to do; she was, for once, frozen in shock from the sight of blood. Maybe even in fear of it. On top of her rather horrid act of just moments ago, Terra felt she might get nausea from this.
But she had to gather herself together, to gain back her composure and take care of the grieving lady...devastated far more than Terra could ever imagine. It made her want to reach out to Nemesis, to embrace her and try to offer words that she knew, deep down at least, would never console her fully, perhaps not at all. But she didn't. She didn't know what to say.

"Come on...we need to get you inside. Now," she spoke as calmly as she could, moving to help her up to her feet. Terra was careful to hold her up and take the time to move her back inside where she'd set her down carefully...but she also could not delay for too much. She would not be able to make it to the infirmary...but the village was nearby. There was bound to be someone there that would be able to help, or so she hoped.
"I promise you, I will return. You'll be alright." She hated to simply leave her in such a fragile state, but she had no other choice. "You'll be alright..." she repeated, perhaps more to herself before she rushed out the door, closing it behind her, and pressing lips together to whistle...Altair coming to her side instantly.
Pulling herself up into the saddle, Terra rode fiercely into the village, calling out over the crowd, "I need help! Please, I need a healer! Quickly!"

[ Any healer, or heck, anyone at all, feel free to jump in on this! =D ]

[yourinkslinger]

As healers go, Lotus was quite out of the norm. She was a child of nature and as such leaned more to the way of herbs and potent mud rather than anything akin to the age of mysticism. She believed that the ground itself birthed the things needed to heal man, in spite of being stained with blood all too often.

On this day, which may would soon prove to be a dark one, she was busily stripping seeds from their pods and crushing them into various bowls. The scent alone was medicinal. She breathed it in with a contented sigh.

What was happening villages away, seemingly worlds away, didn't have a large effect on this sleepy little place. The people(very few, perhaps a dozen) here kept few possessions, really. And anything of considerable value was a lost fantasy. No, those here clung to the Earth. So, when the shouts for a healer came ringing through the mist-thick air, Lotus had no choice, save to lay her task aside and respond. She moved in that flowing dress, made from various patchworks, toward the needy one.

"My dear, are you injured?" She asked the obvious question in a tone that was soothingly calm, too calm perhaps.

[Deleted]

Terra was already beginning to get impatient and even more frantic than she had been just seconds ago when no one chimed up right away. There had to be a healer somewhere in this place, or someone who could at least help a little bit. The idea that she'd be too late began to plague her mind, worry her until she found she had stopped breathing, holding her breath in as the seconds ticked away one by one...
Then she heard that soft voice. Pulling on the reins of her horse, she turned the animal around so that she could look down upon the red-haired lady. At first glance it might have appeared that Terra had been injured in someway, with the patches of blood that dotted her clothing from both the bandits and Nemesis. But she'd quickly shake her head, "No, no...not me. It is the ambassador, m'lady. She's pregnant...and bleeding badly." Her words were rushed, but Terra kept it simple, hoping the woman would understand the urgency behind this all.
Hazel eyes looked down at her pleadingly, silently questioning whether she would be able to help or not. If there was no one here that could help, Terra would have to risk pushing on further until she did find a healer...she just knew it would be a wasted effort. Nemesis was bleeding out too much, and just the idea that these bandits had murdered her unborn child in their frightened flee just made Terra's stomach churn.

[tiernan]

There were things afoot in the woods that he'd not spoken about to Terra. Given his profession and his preference for keeping an ear to the ground, he knew about the bandits and brigands that were running amock and causing such an uproar amongst the people. He knew as well because they tended to cross into what he considered his domain, the stretch of Necron Forest and its roads that he visited to lighten a few purses and flirt with a few fair faces.

Not that he'd done much of either as of late. After the unexpected party he'd shared with Terra, when he'd stolen her away from her travels to that grand ball and undoubtedly managed to monopolize the most beautiful woman in the kingdom and keep her all to himself, he'd abided by his word to her and not harasse anyone on the roads. He'd been a very good bandit, not that it had been easy.

His areas had been chosen because they were prime places. Any other bandit worth his salt would be able to realize their value as well. That had lead to more than a few altercations since the others began to grow more bold and reckless. For the most part, they had been harmless enough. Tiernan understood enough psychology that he managed to talk and bluff the men into going about their way. There were a couple times that it had come to blows, however, and he'd been forced to send some of them packing. Most only hand a bruised ego...but it had gotten dicey once or twice. He'd taken to patrolling the forests now to try and protect people from men like him. The irony was not lost to him.

He'd freely admit to himself that it had more than a little to do with the burgeoning relationship he was enjoying with the young cavalry soldier. Hell, he should have felt bad for even thinking less than saintly things when he looked at her. She was far younger than him...making those thirty three winters feel awfully long, but she was also a habit he was certain to have a problem kicking. Given her stubborn nature and her drive to help others, he knew she wouldn't stay off the roads for too long, no matter how much pressure he and her sister put on her. It simply was who the womn was and he could hardly fault her for it...especially when he admired it.

She had been making breathroughs with her arm, however, and therefore he'd made it his duty to ensure that he dealt with as much of the ruckus here in his woods as e could. After all, this was a large majority of the road she'd had to patrol. It was during tis volunteer time, after having seen her off most sweetly, that he came upon the brigand that had gotten away.

He remembered the man easily enough. His group had been one of the rougher of the bunch and it had taken the flat of his axe upside the man's head to get it through to him that these forests were claimed. The fact that he was obviously out of breath from running meant that he'd run into someone. His stomach knotted as he realized that the man was running from the direction Terra was to have taken to ride back. He quickly ducked behind a tree, hearing the footsteps coming closer and, timing his step,he'd come out, letting the man run right into his arm and knock him down. It was only another moment for him to trap an arm, twist, and roll the man over, pinning him down, pressing a knee into the small of his back. "What do ye think yer doin? Ye were warned about showing yer bloody face around these parts again."

"Look, it's not my fault...never planned to get anyone hurt...the woman...it was an accident!" Those words had the color draining from his face, his entire countenance ashen with dread. Anger swelled up quickly for a moment and he slammed his fist down on the man's temple, knocking him out cold. In another moment, Tiernan was running down the road, trying to find out what had happened to this woman and hoping beyond hope that it wasn't her. Wasn't Terra.

It wasn't hard to see that there'd been a struggle along the road quite a bit further down. There were valuables all about, horse prints and foot prints...blood and bodies. Two men were cut down. He'd found it all and it made him even more concerned, even as the hoof prints cntinued further down the road. Following them, he was highly out of breath as he reached the village...but the sight was worth it as he saw Terra...bloodied and earth-worn, but apparently not hardly at worse fore wear. At least she seemed that way as she spoke wth that other woman there from atop Altair.

"Terra!" he called out, waving a hand to get her attention as he closed the distance. Panting, he'd try and catch his breath before speaking again.

"What happened? Are ye alright, lass?"

[yourinkslinger]

The woman atop the beast had seemed in control at first, but her calm was foundering. Something in her voice, maybe. No, it was the eyes. The eyes begged for aid. A pregnant woman and bleeding badly. That's what Lotus heard. The concept of the injured woman being ambassador didn't much matter to Lotus. Not that she was indifferent, but rank didn't buy life. She, too, could die without care.

"Above or below the heart? The nature of the injury?" She questioned, turning to begin gathering a collection of things from the little bowls she worked in, fingers moving with terrible swiftness. " How close to her time is she, do you know?" If the child was far enough along... She paused to also take several blades, surgical in style. She was thankful to have been working out of doors today, it slowed the preparation time and allowed for precious moments to be saved and maybe... a life.

When the man approached with his loud calling out and his questions, Lotus merely held up a little pale hand to ask him for silence, so that her own questions might be answered. She wasn't being rude, oh no, she was just being methodical. It helped in tense situations. Follow the steps: Think. Breathe. Act.

[AmandaBlack]

In another part of Elysium, the sea to be exact, The ship "The Black Eagle was at sail. At the helm stood the Alburn hair Captain. Green hues looking out at the waves as the crashed around the ship. Rumors of bandits quickly grew among the sailors and soon got back to Amanda.

That famous smirk laid on her lips as she seen the on coming craft heading their way. Bandits no doubt. Well they would soon be surprised when they found out who they were about to try and plunder. A pirate was noone to play with, and Amanda Black was one of the worst there was. "ready on te guns mates.." She called out in that Irish tone of hers to her crew. "we got some compani.."

[Deleted]

Terra tried to remain as calm as she could, but questions from the healer began to weaken her resolve. Not that she was at fault in any way, not that these questions were unnecessary...but Terra wasn't sure she could answer them. She'd at least try, dismounting from her horse to follow her as she went to gather her things. "I do not know how far along she is. The injury is hidden..." she replied, pausing briefly. "She's bleeding beneath her skirts." She didn't know how else to explain it. Terra hadn't seen any visible injury, and she was no healer so did not attempt to figure it out. It was why she was here now.

Biting down on her bottom lip in that nervous habit, she heard her name being called by that familiar voice...and turning around, she'd find Teirnan, out of breath, rushing towards her as if something happened. Had he run all the way from where she last saw him?
Blinking those hazel eyes several times, she took a few steps forward, hands still gripping onto Altair's reins, tightening around them as she heard his questions. "I'm fine," she lied, not bothering to care whether she sounded sincere or not. "A lady was attacked by those bandits...her baby..." Terra didn't know how to finish; her free arm snaking about her stomach as though that would make her feel better. She didn't do very good with such things.
Noticing Lotus' gesture for silence, Terra would lower her voice as she continued to the thief, "What're you doing here? Everything alright?" Had something else happened? For the moment, even though she felt the dire need to race back towards Nemesis, she'd wait patiently for the healer as she gathered her things.

[Cassandra Demarais]

Meanwhile...somewhere, miles away in the mountains...

"You bloody bastards! Haven't you any idea on how to treat a human being!" screamed that angry voice, higher in pitch from her aggravation. "I'm worth money to you idiots and you treat me like animal waste! Do you KNOW how much money you'll be getting?"
Cassandra's voice echoed loudly...very, very loudly...off the stone walls of the mountain cave as she wailed out her woes. It was one of the bandits' hideaways, dug deep into the mountainside for protection, security, and stealth. They had men stationed all along the path, equipped with blades and arrows. If anyone tried to make their way up to the mountain, these men would know...and were prepared to take them down.
"I won't be worth as much all battered, bruised, and dirty," the Duchess continued on, tugging on the chain that bound one ankle, keeping her to the far wall. "Are any of you filthy morons listening to m-Eee! A rat! There was a rat!" Cassandra flailed, trying to turn and rush away, but she was restricted within a few feet and fell to her knees. She was literally shuttering, moaning in her annoyance and displeasure over where she was. It seemed that she was more worried about the d**n rat and dirt than the fact that she was being held hostage; her throat could be slit at any moment.

"Please, can I go somewhere else? Is anyone listening to me? Hello?!" she'd call out, on and on and on until someone finally acknowledged her, unable to take her loud voice anymore.
"You will shut up and sit where we put you, you ungrateful wench! Or we'll make you scream for other reasons..."
At least for the next few minutes, Cassandra's lips were sealed shut.