Post by Cassandra Demarais on Feb 23, 2011 22:50:20 GMT -5
CASSANDRA:
"Are any of you bloody idiots listening to me?!" she called out, followed by more crude words from such a "noble lady". She pounded against the door until her hands were sore, spinning around the room to find an exit that perhaps she might have somehow managed to miss. Her frustration only grew, evident in her constant growls and screams of anger as her pleas continued to go unanswered.
Those in charge deemed it better if Cassandra were kept in one of the rooms of the ship for her own safety, however, it only made matters worse and perhaps wasn't making the man stationed outside her door too thrilled about his new, temporary job.
Her calling out suddenly turned into a loud shriek of horror as she finally took notice of one of her cell mates- a furry, little critter scampering across the wooden planks to a hole in the wall. "Somebody please!" she cried, rushing over to the shaky, wooden chair by its table, the only decent pieces of furniture in this hellhole, and climbed onto it. Hands gripped into her skirts, waving them around frantically to make sure a rat hadn't decided to nest in them.
That man was going to die. Brother to the queen or not.
"What kind of a rescue is this?!" she belted out in exasperation, running a hand through that mess of knotted locks. She felt so disgusting and whimpered as slender fingers got caught in that mop of hair. Her gown was ripped and she was pretty sure she had a thick coat of mud all over her body. Cassandra couldn't look at it as "it could've been worse", because right now...this was completely horrid.
Of course, she wouldn't be repeating the horrors she had to endure, that every moment she had been kept in that cold, damp cave made her only wonder when one of those thieves would put a knife to her throat...or slip a hand up her skirt. Every minute that passed, Cassandra had prayed to see her cousin storming in, cutting the bastards down with his sword to take her back home.
But instead, that nitwit Orin and his female comrade appeared instead. Now look where she was. Couldn't they have gotten a better ship at least?
ORIN:
Some would have said their search for Cassandra had been easier than was expected. They found her on the first piece of land they traveled to. The other group would not have as much luck. However, Orin now wished he had been on that other ship, traveling aimlessly in search of the woman.
The rescue hadn't been the issue, no. Orin was expecting there to be a fight in order to get Cassandra back. It had taken them days to find her--so long that they had almost turned back to the ship to head to the next land. But it had been by chance that they found a bandit heading towards the mountain's opening and they were led right to her.
He was bruised and scratched up now, but alive and the task had been done-- She was rescued and taken back to their ship. They could head back home now, later than what the deadline was set for and Orin only hoped that if Aric had returned by now, Alexandria could hold him back from venturing out again.
His position was sailing the ship home. It saved him from having to deal with Cassandra. Oh how she got on his nerves. You would think a woman would be grateful for a rescue. But there were only complaints from her loud mouth the whole way back to the ship. If this wasn't a favor for Alexandria, he would have probably abandoned ship himself or thrown her overboard, or maybe even left her on the island.
He could still hear her shouting through the deck of the ship. "Will somebody please shut that devil woman up!" He growled to himself and stopped one of the men on board. "Take hold of this please. I will be right back."
If only he could make the wind blow harder so the ship would move faster. Orin stepped away from the sails and headed down below deck to the room where Cassandra was. A gentle knock was placed on the door before he opened it and peered inside. He bit his tongue and fought the urge to show her his annoyance. His voice was wrapped in thick sugar coated sarcasm. "Is there a problem, my lady?"
CASSANDRA:
Cassandra was still twitching and writhing up on that chair as Orin opened the door, instantly granting him her frantic attention. Devil woman indeed- that mess of knotted curls made her seem completely insane. Most would not argue such an idea.
"You..." she spoke that single word, voice dropping so low that it growled out from her chest.
The disease infected creatures that littered the floor were so very easily forgotten and replaced by the annoyance and sudden need to claw his face off. The one that forced her in here. She stepped down from the chair and took hasty steps towards him as though she were prepared to slam against him or send wild fists at his face. And yet...she stopped but a few inches in front of him, glaring up at him with those fiery eyes. However, there was almost pure frightened desperation on her face.
"I need air. I cannot stay in here with...with filth...and rats, and the gods know what else!" She just wanted a bath...a nice warm bath and fresh clothes, a comb to brush out her hair...oh, she couldn't wait. She had never felt so disgusting in her life.
ORIN:
Orin fought the urge to laugh at the sight of her--so desperate and frantic looking and easy to point fingers in blame at him for everything. He folded his arms over his chest as she marched her way towards him. Perhaps she would have rather been left to rot away in the caves? She was acting that way. Still, he said nothing as her outburst came and he studied her, trying to figure out how to shut her up.
"My lady..." He held a hand up in front of her face in hopes of silencing her. "I am sorry if you disapprove of our ships. We do not have the luxuries that your land may have because the war destroyed most of it for us. Might I remind you that we left in a hurry to come find you and save you from those bandits. I apologize we did not bring the servants to wash everything, or have it done before leaving. Perhaps you would have enjoyed another day in those caves? Or we can turn the ship around and bring you back?"
Orin narrowed his eyes at her before grasping hold of her arm. "It is safer below decks for you. If another ship comes by and sees you and perhaps shoots an arrow at you? Then what?" He pulled her gently out of the room and up the stairs back to the deck. He lightly pushed her to sit on one of the benches.
"Stay down and stay quiet. Please. We will be back to Elysium by late night or early morning."
He stormed off then, growling under his breath at her until he got back to the wheel of the ship. "Go keep yourself busy but watch her." He ordered the man that had taken over steering while he was off.
CASSANDRA:
There was little that could ever shut Lady Davenport up. Many have tried...and most have failed. Once she was set in her way, there was little that would make her change direction. Cassandra was still so shaken up by the whole ordeal, her body still frozen to the core from having to sit in those caves for days, that she couldn't...didn't know how to slow down.
Her mouth fell agape as his hand rose before her face, silencing her only momentarily as he attempted to make some sort of effort to console her. Or then again, maybe not. "Is that sarcasm, I hear, Mr. Evans?" she spoke, not very enthused. "So there is some sort of sense of humor in that bitter heart." The first and last time she had seen the man was at the ball held in honor of Alexandria and Aric's engagement...and she remembered perfectly his harsh words to his own sister, as well as the future king. Orin was probably only here to make it up to Alexandria for his foolishness.
A light gasp fled her lips as he grasped her by the arm, pulling her out from the dark and dank room, littered with vermin, and back up the steps to the deck. She grunted in annoyance as he further pushed her to sit on one of the benches. "Only because you said 'please'," she growled, further cursing him beneath her breath as he began to walk away. However, naturally, she couldn't just leave it at that...and she had to call out once again, "Don't I get a glass of water?"
She didn't like him. Didn't like his attitude. Didn't like how he treated her cousin. Hell, she even felt bad for Alexandria that one night and she hardly knew the woman. So, because he rubbed her the wrong way, he'd be her current play thing for the remainder of this trip.
She had nothing else to do.
ORIN:
Orin held his hand up, motioning to the man to hold off before leaving the wheel. He had ignored everything Cassandra had said from the moment he dragged her up on deck. He didn't like her, she was part of the family that would ruin Alexandria's life and possibly ruin Elysium too. But by the tone of her voice, he could tell she was testing her limits with him now. His teeth gritted together as he walked back toward her, fumbling with the belt around his waist to remove the water satchel. Gods, the wind better pick up soon.
He fought the urge to throw it at her, and instead, thrusted it towards her impatiently. "If you think you know me enough to suggest I have a bitter heart..." Orin trailed off then. He didn't need to say more. He wouldn't let her get the best of him. "We will be back to Elysium late tonight or early next morning. Is there anything else you require, my lady?" He bit his tongue, speaking in the most pleasant and kind manner he could muster, all sarcasm thrown aside now.
Where the hell was Naeva? Oh yes, that's right... she was with the other woman that, who only knew, could be trusted. Yes, what a pleasant trip this was turning out to be.
CASSANDRA:
There was nothing else to do on this forsaken ship. She was tired, feeling filthy, and most of all, bored. The fact that he was trying his damndest to ignore her and not let what she said get to him made her awfully amused enough. At least until they got back to Elysium...which she prayed would be any moment now.
She seemed to suddenly be even more annoyed with Edward now...It was he that made her come to Elysium to watch over Aric, to make sure he did what he had to do. So therefore, it was his fault she got kidnapped in the first place. Honestly, she just wanted to go home. Clearly she didn't belong here, for obvious reasons.
A slight arch of a brow as he began unbuckling his belt, then thrust the water skin at her. She pulled it from his grasp just as roughly and let it sit within her lap. She regarded him once more with a cant of her head, listening to him leave his comment unfinished...and she grinned. Indeed, she herself had something of a cold heart...but so did he, in some other form of the word. Perhaps it was how quickly he distrusted, or how easily annoyed he could get.
Oh, this man could be fun.
With his question, no sarcasm found but she knew it was there, she let those eyes survey him up and down before grinning to herself again. "I would ask for a bit of conversation to pass the time...but I suppose you would be incapable of providing that."
ORIN:
A brow quickly rose at her request. She seriously wanted to talk to him? Problem was, Orin had never been much of a conversationalist for as long as he could remember. There was a hesitation in his facial features and he opened his mouth, only to let out a quick and sarcastic laugh. "Sure... And I'll just let this ship sail itself, yeah?"
He shook his head and glanced away from her and towards the man he had temporarily sailing the ship. No, he didn't trust him long enough to get them in the direction they needed to go. A sigh escaped him and he looked back to her.
"I could find you someone to talk to, or you can sit with me up there. But I don't talk much, so I will probably bore you more to death than you already are now." He smirked slightly and without saying anything else he walked away from her again and dismissed the man. He left it up to her whether or not she wanted to talk to the man heading her way, or if she wanted to follow him. He wasn't initiating conversation. What the hell did he have to talk about?
CASSANDRA:
Those eyes narrowed at his snarky remark about the ship, but there was still a glint of amusement behind them because she could see the struggle between annoyance and just a bit of surprise washing over his features. Cassandra was drawn to luxury and dramatics of all sorts..but what she was really drawn to was how one squirmed in discomfort in her presence. He was not happy to have her around and pestering him even further was making that all-too clear. And there will be more where that came from if he continued to try and brush her off or ignore her.
Yet something told her he wouldn't be as easy to crack as most.
And then, there it was- a smirk? Even a hint of one? She blinked before a slender brow rose in contemplation. One might think him handsome without the permanent scowl etched upon his face and when he didn't grumble out his words. His expression was that of a man who seemed to hate the world...or hate something so strongly. It was interesting to think about but that interest would most likely fade in but a few minutes.
However, either because she wanted to continue to nag on him or possibly crack that hard exterior, Cassandra followed Orin to the top deck to watch him take the wheel. To be honest, she didn't quite know how these sailors were able to navigate the seas. There you were in a boat, floating and rocking upon the vast, open sea without sight of land upon the horizon. It was nerve-wracking to be truthful.
Hands folded together behind her back as she began to pace slowly across the deck, her attention upon the waters surrounding them. "You speak with your sister, no?" she finally questioned him; head turning to look at him from over a shoulder. "And...I do mean talk. Not scold her in front of the whole court." Oh yes, she had to put that in there, and though a smile did not creep onto her lips, the devilry was beginning to seep into those watchful eyes.
ORIN:
There was a moment in Orin's life that he had felt hopelessly lost when out in the middle of the ocean as he learned how to navigate the seas. It seemed nearly impossible to know the direction to go and at first, he believed it was all involved with luck. It was a true skill that he was quick to learn, however. He needed to be able to master the seas in order to find Alexandria after they had been separated many years ago. A promise had been made to his parents that he would return her to Avalendor and tell her fate. Poor Orin's life was so full of regret, mistakes and he tormented himself that everything had been his fault. So much that he barely stuck around once he returned her to Avalendor. He couldn't bare to see the pain that lived within her eyes. Much of his life, after, was spent out on the sea, exploring and living in solitude.
It took a lot of focus and concentration navigating through the seas. They were still half a day's distance from Elysium now and Orin needed to make sure they were staying on the right track. He didn't once look at Cassandra as she sat there, probably thinking of the next annoying thing to say to him. His eyes glanced at the compass, back to the horizon and he turned the wheel several times before he held it steadily.
For a moment, he almost forgot that Cassandra was there until her voice cut through his concentration. He looked at her, then, displaying no emotion. "I am here, bringing you back, as she has requested me to do."
He didn't need to discuss their conversation or that he had already apologized for the horrid display he had caused at the ball that night. He was not proud of that, but he was worried for her sake. They had just ended a war to fight for their freedom and for Alexandria's, and now she was letting herself and the kingdom fall under the same trap with agreeing to the marriage alliance with Tresteria.
Orin sensed that she was trying to dig at him. He wasn't going to give in. The reminder of his scolding Alexandria in front of everyone struck a nerve, but he bit his tongue and held it in. Two could play at this little game. The tone of his voice was even and emotionless, maybe with a hint of mockful sympathy and concern. "And how is your husband these days? Must be tearing himself apart that he was unable to protect his own wife while the bandits ripped you away from him? You must be missing him, too."
His eyes turned away from her and back out on the horizon. He wished the wind would pick up. The bandits were captured and being held captive beneath the decks and he hoped Naeva had them under control for as long as it took them to get back to Elysium.
CASSANDRA:
"Ah, how noble of you," she mused lightly when he spoke of Alexandria's request, grinning to herself as she turned her eyes to the neverending horizon. She idly watched how he glanced down to the compass, turning the wheel to steer the ship in the proper direction...and for a moment, she was curious as to how it was done. That is, until he spoke again. Of Henry. It was not difficult to understand he was trying to throw back at her what she was throwing at him. And she didn't like it. Many mocked her marriage, one that she hadn't exactly liked or willingly agreed to at first herself...but even she knew how good of a man Henry was. She respected him in most regards, and most of all, he took care of her. Made her feel needed and necessary...unlike the rest of her family and those she found herself in the presence of. But was she in love with him? Cassandra loved him, but she wasn't in love with him.
"He would be here without question were he able to be," she snapped back rather quickly. "Unfortunately, the only other men left in this world need to be bribed or ordered to do what is right. Chivalry has clearly been lost."
ORIN:
A very brief laugh escaped Orin's lips. He couldn't help it. Chivalry has been lost? Maybe. But Orin never was one to let labels or stereotypes shape his life or the people he associated with. What was chivalry, was there a rule in the way men needed to act? It made little sense to him, really. Orin pondered for a moment. Did she believe him to be one of these men that needed to be bribed or ordered to do what is right? He was neither brided, nor ordered to come out and risk his life to search for Cassandra. Alexandria asked him, and he put up no argument and just did as he asked. That had been how Orin lived most of his life. If someone wanted to bribe him to do something, he would probably not refuse. And to order him? No, Orin did not take orders very well.
After a brief moment, he realized that he was still laughing and quickly stopped himself, his features falling nearly emotionless again.
"If that is what you wish to believe, then so be it. You must know everyone then, right? You know how everyone works."
His tone was accusing. Once again, he fell silent, not looking at her but instead, pretending that his eyes needed to be focused on the horizon more than ever. His eyebrows furrowed in concentration as if he were straining to see something up ahead. Maybe he was just hoping that if he looked hard enough, Elysium would just show up and this damn trip would be over and done with.
CASSANDRA:
He wouldn't be the only one that prayed and prayed that Elysium would show up any moment on the horizon. She was starting to get rather antsy and impatient, and this man was ridiculous.
Those narrowed eyes watched him as he laughed, finding something oh-so amusing that he didn't bother to share until he was finished. "Chivalry is an idea of respect, of honor...and I have yet to see anyone else who holds such." Even Henry, as old as he was, seemed to still try to please those around him so that he could be liked, respected.
All she ever wanted was to be liked...and failed miserably at that. So, instead, she masked her discomfort behind her brazen exterior while she watched, even Edward, fall into darkness. Men were, to put it simply, all the same these days.
Perhaps it was why she didn't feel so ashamed to use them when the mood arose. "I know what others bother to show, yes," she answered his sarcastic question so matter-of-factly. "Such as you. You do not want to be here...even before I nagged you." Not that she cared, but...despite what he said, even if the queen "asked" him, he was just doing what he was told to.
ORIN:
"You assume that I do not want to be here. You do not know. You assume." His voice was calmer and more serious now, but he still did not look back at her yet. His eyes remained on the skies ahead and a slow sign escaped him. Orin wondered if he should even say anything else. She was being rather snobby and ridiculous herself. 'Chivalry is an idea of respect and honor'? What made her think he, or others for that matter, did not hold such a thing? Maybe back in Tresteria that was the way of it. But had she really given those in Elysium a chance? Did she bother to get to know anyone else. He had respect and honor, whether he showed it or not. Yes, he had made mistakes and had made outbursts that were not very respectful. But no one was perfect. Cassandra did not know much at all about him, and it was annoying that she had the nerve to act as if she knew everything about him and who he was, based off of one bad impression he made. Yes, maybe he was acting as if he did not want to be there. Or maybe he was just showing that he just wanted to be left alone and not nagged while he was working on trying to get them back home. He shook his head, glancing to her, studying her features for just a single moment. "The sea is more my home than anywhere else... Why would I not want to be here?" He tilted his head in a questioning manner before glancing away from her again. He studied the compass once again and quickly turned the wheel of the ship, all the way around, once before steadying the wheel, looking up at the sails and the clouds. It wouldn't be long before the sun would start to go down.
CASSANDRA:
"I do not need to assume, m'lord," she answered quickly. "Your face says it all." Not that she could blame him. Being on a ship unnerved her and she hardly enjoyed it. In all honesty, and she would never admit this, she was only there, nagging him, because she was afraid to be alone, especially below deck. She didn't trust the waters, the ocean that could turn on them with so much as a small wind.
And yet, she was always alone. That was the issue. Because she was from Tresteria, many of these people automatically resented her and distrusted her. So, in return, she hid behind that snobby mask. She wasn't about to share just how truly uncomfortable she was.
For a brief second, she was about to actually mutter something along those lines, about how she truly felt, but there was one thing about Cassandra that she was not willing to let go of: her pride. She was too proud to show weakness. And where she lacked in muscle and militaristic skills, she gained in wit and manipulation.
However, his words of the sea brought her to a pause.
Almost involuntarily, she stepped up to his side, glancing over the wheel, the bow of the ship, and out towards the ocean beyond. "Because the sea is unpredictable," she replied casually, almost quietly; the harsh emotion momentarily gone. Her features seemed to relax as she studied the calm waters...but she couldn't help but anticipate darkening skies, heavy gusts of wind, and deathly cold waves washing over the decks.
Her stomach twisted into knots as she tried not to remember.
Blinking herself out of the trance, thin brows furrowed slightly in curiosity, and she looked to him briefly. "Even more so than Avalendor, with your sister?"
ORIN:
This woman wasn't making any sense to him. Orin's face lacked many expressions as of lately. Or so he thought. Was he letting his emotion show through his features so easily? Or was Cassandra simply a mind reader? He couldn't help but smirk out of frustration and disbelief. What was left to say at this point? He just shook his head, never looking back at her. Orin wasn't in the mood for arguing tonight. Especially with her. For all he assumed, she would run back to Aric and complain about how horrible he was to her and that he treated her disrespectful and hurt her. She seemed the type to lie in order to get something she wanted, or to make someone's life hell. He had known people like that.
The two did share a similarity, however. Orin was not as willing to let go of his pride, as well. He didn't like to display his emotions or let anyone know how he was feeling or what he was thinking. Not unless anger is laced in with everything, and maybe a few drinks, then there was no issue throwing out, in a crowd for that matter, how he felt.
"Land can be just as unpredictable. Storms hit land. There are wars...People murder and lie and deceive one another... What's the difference?" He shrugged his shoulders, and continued steering the wheel of the ship, not paying attention that she was standing close by now. He needed to focus harder now, as the 'witching hour' was coming, where it was still light, but the dark was starting to set in, making it difficult for the eyes to adjust properly. It was the hardest time in the day to be out on the sea. One may assume night would be, but once your eyes focused, it was almost the easiest for Orin.
"Yes. More so than there." Orin was broad. He gave her no other details. He wasn't about to spill his feelings in front of a lady who looked at him as a 'bitter-hearted' man and un-chivalrous.
CASSANDRA:
All of his silent assumptions were correct, for the most part. Cassandra was most definitely the type to lie and manipulate another to get whatever it was she wanted. Of course, the question would remain whether she would run crying to Aric or not. At the moment, she had nothing to gain from such a lie; the queen's brother managed to make himself hated by others all on his own, it seemed. She wondered if he did that on purpose, keeping his distance from everyone else. Somehow she felt so alone, even when at court surrounded by people. Orin was, ultimately, alone...yet it seemed like he preferred it that way. He chose it.
She had to secretly admit, though, that when the waters were calm and almost smooth as glass, it was beautiful. Breathtaking, even. Although her heart thundered in her chest, she moved forward on almost unsteady legs, hesitant to reach the railing. As hands wrapped about it, she drew in a deep breath and seemed not to be bothered by the salty sea hair whipping through red hair, knotting it even further. She'd complain about it later on most likely. Right then, she took a moment to realize that she was far, far away from the bandits. She was safe, for now. "I suppose you're right," she murmured, barely audible. Cassandra didn't even realize that she had agreed with him- how shocking! Land was indeed just as predictable...but she knew that world better than life out at sea. She could only trust what she understood.
It was his answer to her question that had her quickly looking over her shoulder at him, eyes narrowing gently in their study of him; curiosity seeping back into her expression. "Do you not find that sad?" There was no scrutinizing in her tone this time, but nor was there any sympathy. Perhaps she was just simply trying to understand why he would choose the sea over his family.
ORIN:
The sun had begun to make its decent to the horizon, meaning the light was fading. But it left the clouds and sky a beautiful orange and pink color. Orin's gaze never drifted from the horizon, trying to focus on what was ahead and steering their ship in the right direction. If his calculations were correct, they'd be back in a half hour's time. This made him wonder what the other ship was up to. If they had Cassandra, was the other ship off on a wild goose chase for nothing? Had they run into any danger? Were they back?
If they had gotten back without Cassandra, he was sure that would stir up some issues for them.
He wished he could make the ship go faster. They were nearly there. But there was nothing more he could do.
He almost didn't hear Cassandra when she questioned him. He quickly turned to look at her, with a slightly puzzled look on his face. "What?" But then her words registered in his mind and he shrugged his shoulders as he looked away from her again.
"Maybe" He didn't know what else to say. He didn't feel like he belonged anywhere or could relate to anyone. So being alone, isolated, seemed the best for him.
"We should be back soon." Not soon enough.
[ continued in Hope on the Horizon ]
"Are any of you bloody idiots listening to me?!" she called out, followed by more crude words from such a "noble lady". She pounded against the door until her hands were sore, spinning around the room to find an exit that perhaps she might have somehow managed to miss. Her frustration only grew, evident in her constant growls and screams of anger as her pleas continued to go unanswered.
Those in charge deemed it better if Cassandra were kept in one of the rooms of the ship for her own safety, however, it only made matters worse and perhaps wasn't making the man stationed outside her door too thrilled about his new, temporary job.
Her calling out suddenly turned into a loud shriek of horror as she finally took notice of one of her cell mates- a furry, little critter scampering across the wooden planks to a hole in the wall. "Somebody please!" she cried, rushing over to the shaky, wooden chair by its table, the only decent pieces of furniture in this hellhole, and climbed onto it. Hands gripped into her skirts, waving them around frantically to make sure a rat hadn't decided to nest in them.
That man was going to die. Brother to the queen or not.
"What kind of a rescue is this?!" she belted out in exasperation, running a hand through that mess of knotted locks. She felt so disgusting and whimpered as slender fingers got caught in that mop of hair. Her gown was ripped and she was pretty sure she had a thick coat of mud all over her body. Cassandra couldn't look at it as "it could've been worse", because right now...this was completely horrid.
Of course, she wouldn't be repeating the horrors she had to endure, that every moment she had been kept in that cold, damp cave made her only wonder when one of those thieves would put a knife to her throat...or slip a hand up her skirt. Every minute that passed, Cassandra had prayed to see her cousin storming in, cutting the bastards down with his sword to take her back home.
But instead, that nitwit Orin and his female comrade appeared instead. Now look where she was. Couldn't they have gotten a better ship at least?
ORIN:
Some would have said their search for Cassandra had been easier than was expected. They found her on the first piece of land they traveled to. The other group would not have as much luck. However, Orin now wished he had been on that other ship, traveling aimlessly in search of the woman.
The rescue hadn't been the issue, no. Orin was expecting there to be a fight in order to get Cassandra back. It had taken them days to find her--so long that they had almost turned back to the ship to head to the next land. But it had been by chance that they found a bandit heading towards the mountain's opening and they were led right to her.
He was bruised and scratched up now, but alive and the task had been done-- She was rescued and taken back to their ship. They could head back home now, later than what the deadline was set for and Orin only hoped that if Aric had returned by now, Alexandria could hold him back from venturing out again.
His position was sailing the ship home. It saved him from having to deal with Cassandra. Oh how she got on his nerves. You would think a woman would be grateful for a rescue. But there were only complaints from her loud mouth the whole way back to the ship. If this wasn't a favor for Alexandria, he would have probably abandoned ship himself or thrown her overboard, or maybe even left her on the island.
He could still hear her shouting through the deck of the ship. "Will somebody please shut that devil woman up!" He growled to himself and stopped one of the men on board. "Take hold of this please. I will be right back."
If only he could make the wind blow harder so the ship would move faster. Orin stepped away from the sails and headed down below deck to the room where Cassandra was. A gentle knock was placed on the door before he opened it and peered inside. He bit his tongue and fought the urge to show her his annoyance. His voice was wrapped in thick sugar coated sarcasm. "Is there a problem, my lady?"
CASSANDRA:
Cassandra was still twitching and writhing up on that chair as Orin opened the door, instantly granting him her frantic attention. Devil woman indeed- that mess of knotted curls made her seem completely insane. Most would not argue such an idea.
"You..." she spoke that single word, voice dropping so low that it growled out from her chest.
The disease infected creatures that littered the floor were so very easily forgotten and replaced by the annoyance and sudden need to claw his face off. The one that forced her in here. She stepped down from the chair and took hasty steps towards him as though she were prepared to slam against him or send wild fists at his face. And yet...she stopped but a few inches in front of him, glaring up at him with those fiery eyes. However, there was almost pure frightened desperation on her face.
"I need air. I cannot stay in here with...with filth...and rats, and the gods know what else!" She just wanted a bath...a nice warm bath and fresh clothes, a comb to brush out her hair...oh, she couldn't wait. She had never felt so disgusting in her life.
ORIN:
Orin fought the urge to laugh at the sight of her--so desperate and frantic looking and easy to point fingers in blame at him for everything. He folded his arms over his chest as she marched her way towards him. Perhaps she would have rather been left to rot away in the caves? She was acting that way. Still, he said nothing as her outburst came and he studied her, trying to figure out how to shut her up.
"My lady..." He held a hand up in front of her face in hopes of silencing her. "I am sorry if you disapprove of our ships. We do not have the luxuries that your land may have because the war destroyed most of it for us. Might I remind you that we left in a hurry to come find you and save you from those bandits. I apologize we did not bring the servants to wash everything, or have it done before leaving. Perhaps you would have enjoyed another day in those caves? Or we can turn the ship around and bring you back?"
Orin narrowed his eyes at her before grasping hold of her arm. "It is safer below decks for you. If another ship comes by and sees you and perhaps shoots an arrow at you? Then what?" He pulled her gently out of the room and up the stairs back to the deck. He lightly pushed her to sit on one of the benches.
"Stay down and stay quiet. Please. We will be back to Elysium by late night or early morning."
He stormed off then, growling under his breath at her until he got back to the wheel of the ship. "Go keep yourself busy but watch her." He ordered the man that had taken over steering while he was off.
CASSANDRA:
There was little that could ever shut Lady Davenport up. Many have tried...and most have failed. Once she was set in her way, there was little that would make her change direction. Cassandra was still so shaken up by the whole ordeal, her body still frozen to the core from having to sit in those caves for days, that she couldn't...didn't know how to slow down.
Her mouth fell agape as his hand rose before her face, silencing her only momentarily as he attempted to make some sort of effort to console her. Or then again, maybe not. "Is that sarcasm, I hear, Mr. Evans?" she spoke, not very enthused. "So there is some sort of sense of humor in that bitter heart." The first and last time she had seen the man was at the ball held in honor of Alexandria and Aric's engagement...and she remembered perfectly his harsh words to his own sister, as well as the future king. Orin was probably only here to make it up to Alexandria for his foolishness.
A light gasp fled her lips as he grasped her by the arm, pulling her out from the dark and dank room, littered with vermin, and back up the steps to the deck. She grunted in annoyance as he further pushed her to sit on one of the benches. "Only because you said 'please'," she growled, further cursing him beneath her breath as he began to walk away. However, naturally, she couldn't just leave it at that...and she had to call out once again, "Don't I get a glass of water?"
She didn't like him. Didn't like his attitude. Didn't like how he treated her cousin. Hell, she even felt bad for Alexandria that one night and she hardly knew the woman. So, because he rubbed her the wrong way, he'd be her current play thing for the remainder of this trip.
She had nothing else to do.
ORIN:
Orin held his hand up, motioning to the man to hold off before leaving the wheel. He had ignored everything Cassandra had said from the moment he dragged her up on deck. He didn't like her, she was part of the family that would ruin Alexandria's life and possibly ruin Elysium too. But by the tone of her voice, he could tell she was testing her limits with him now. His teeth gritted together as he walked back toward her, fumbling with the belt around his waist to remove the water satchel. Gods, the wind better pick up soon.
He fought the urge to throw it at her, and instead, thrusted it towards her impatiently. "If you think you know me enough to suggest I have a bitter heart..." Orin trailed off then. He didn't need to say more. He wouldn't let her get the best of him. "We will be back to Elysium late tonight or early next morning. Is there anything else you require, my lady?" He bit his tongue, speaking in the most pleasant and kind manner he could muster, all sarcasm thrown aside now.
Where the hell was Naeva? Oh yes, that's right... she was with the other woman that, who only knew, could be trusted. Yes, what a pleasant trip this was turning out to be.
CASSANDRA:
There was nothing else to do on this forsaken ship. She was tired, feeling filthy, and most of all, bored. The fact that he was trying his damndest to ignore her and not let what she said get to him made her awfully amused enough. At least until they got back to Elysium...which she prayed would be any moment now.
She seemed to suddenly be even more annoyed with Edward now...It was he that made her come to Elysium to watch over Aric, to make sure he did what he had to do. So therefore, it was his fault she got kidnapped in the first place. Honestly, she just wanted to go home. Clearly she didn't belong here, for obvious reasons.
A slight arch of a brow as he began unbuckling his belt, then thrust the water skin at her. She pulled it from his grasp just as roughly and let it sit within her lap. She regarded him once more with a cant of her head, listening to him leave his comment unfinished...and she grinned. Indeed, she herself had something of a cold heart...but so did he, in some other form of the word. Perhaps it was how quickly he distrusted, or how easily annoyed he could get.
Oh, this man could be fun.
With his question, no sarcasm found but she knew it was there, she let those eyes survey him up and down before grinning to herself again. "I would ask for a bit of conversation to pass the time...but I suppose you would be incapable of providing that."
ORIN:
A brow quickly rose at her request. She seriously wanted to talk to him? Problem was, Orin had never been much of a conversationalist for as long as he could remember. There was a hesitation in his facial features and he opened his mouth, only to let out a quick and sarcastic laugh. "Sure... And I'll just let this ship sail itself, yeah?"
He shook his head and glanced away from her and towards the man he had temporarily sailing the ship. No, he didn't trust him long enough to get them in the direction they needed to go. A sigh escaped him and he looked back to her.
"I could find you someone to talk to, or you can sit with me up there. But I don't talk much, so I will probably bore you more to death than you already are now." He smirked slightly and without saying anything else he walked away from her again and dismissed the man. He left it up to her whether or not she wanted to talk to the man heading her way, or if she wanted to follow him. He wasn't initiating conversation. What the hell did he have to talk about?
CASSANDRA:
Those eyes narrowed at his snarky remark about the ship, but there was still a glint of amusement behind them because she could see the struggle between annoyance and just a bit of surprise washing over his features. Cassandra was drawn to luxury and dramatics of all sorts..but what she was really drawn to was how one squirmed in discomfort in her presence. He was not happy to have her around and pestering him even further was making that all-too clear. And there will be more where that came from if he continued to try and brush her off or ignore her.
Yet something told her he wouldn't be as easy to crack as most.
And then, there it was- a smirk? Even a hint of one? She blinked before a slender brow rose in contemplation. One might think him handsome without the permanent scowl etched upon his face and when he didn't grumble out his words. His expression was that of a man who seemed to hate the world...or hate something so strongly. It was interesting to think about but that interest would most likely fade in but a few minutes.
However, either because she wanted to continue to nag on him or possibly crack that hard exterior, Cassandra followed Orin to the top deck to watch him take the wheel. To be honest, she didn't quite know how these sailors were able to navigate the seas. There you were in a boat, floating and rocking upon the vast, open sea without sight of land upon the horizon. It was nerve-wracking to be truthful.
Hands folded together behind her back as she began to pace slowly across the deck, her attention upon the waters surrounding them. "You speak with your sister, no?" she finally questioned him; head turning to look at him from over a shoulder. "And...I do mean talk. Not scold her in front of the whole court." Oh yes, she had to put that in there, and though a smile did not creep onto her lips, the devilry was beginning to seep into those watchful eyes.
ORIN:
There was a moment in Orin's life that he had felt hopelessly lost when out in the middle of the ocean as he learned how to navigate the seas. It seemed nearly impossible to know the direction to go and at first, he believed it was all involved with luck. It was a true skill that he was quick to learn, however. He needed to be able to master the seas in order to find Alexandria after they had been separated many years ago. A promise had been made to his parents that he would return her to Avalendor and tell her fate. Poor Orin's life was so full of regret, mistakes and he tormented himself that everything had been his fault. So much that he barely stuck around once he returned her to Avalendor. He couldn't bare to see the pain that lived within her eyes. Much of his life, after, was spent out on the sea, exploring and living in solitude.
It took a lot of focus and concentration navigating through the seas. They were still half a day's distance from Elysium now and Orin needed to make sure they were staying on the right track. He didn't once look at Cassandra as she sat there, probably thinking of the next annoying thing to say to him. His eyes glanced at the compass, back to the horizon and he turned the wheel several times before he held it steadily.
For a moment, he almost forgot that Cassandra was there until her voice cut through his concentration. He looked at her, then, displaying no emotion. "I am here, bringing you back, as she has requested me to do."
He didn't need to discuss their conversation or that he had already apologized for the horrid display he had caused at the ball that night. He was not proud of that, but he was worried for her sake. They had just ended a war to fight for their freedom and for Alexandria's, and now she was letting herself and the kingdom fall under the same trap with agreeing to the marriage alliance with Tresteria.
Orin sensed that she was trying to dig at him. He wasn't going to give in. The reminder of his scolding Alexandria in front of everyone struck a nerve, but he bit his tongue and held it in. Two could play at this little game. The tone of his voice was even and emotionless, maybe with a hint of mockful sympathy and concern. "And how is your husband these days? Must be tearing himself apart that he was unable to protect his own wife while the bandits ripped you away from him? You must be missing him, too."
His eyes turned away from her and back out on the horizon. He wished the wind would pick up. The bandits were captured and being held captive beneath the decks and he hoped Naeva had them under control for as long as it took them to get back to Elysium.
CASSANDRA:
"Ah, how noble of you," she mused lightly when he spoke of Alexandria's request, grinning to herself as she turned her eyes to the neverending horizon. She idly watched how he glanced down to the compass, turning the wheel to steer the ship in the proper direction...and for a moment, she was curious as to how it was done. That is, until he spoke again. Of Henry. It was not difficult to understand he was trying to throw back at her what she was throwing at him. And she didn't like it. Many mocked her marriage, one that she hadn't exactly liked or willingly agreed to at first herself...but even she knew how good of a man Henry was. She respected him in most regards, and most of all, he took care of her. Made her feel needed and necessary...unlike the rest of her family and those she found herself in the presence of. But was she in love with him? Cassandra loved him, but she wasn't in love with him.
"He would be here without question were he able to be," she snapped back rather quickly. "Unfortunately, the only other men left in this world need to be bribed or ordered to do what is right. Chivalry has clearly been lost."
ORIN:
A very brief laugh escaped Orin's lips. He couldn't help it. Chivalry has been lost? Maybe. But Orin never was one to let labels or stereotypes shape his life or the people he associated with. What was chivalry, was there a rule in the way men needed to act? It made little sense to him, really. Orin pondered for a moment. Did she believe him to be one of these men that needed to be bribed or ordered to do what is right? He was neither brided, nor ordered to come out and risk his life to search for Cassandra. Alexandria asked him, and he put up no argument and just did as he asked. That had been how Orin lived most of his life. If someone wanted to bribe him to do something, he would probably not refuse. And to order him? No, Orin did not take orders very well.
After a brief moment, he realized that he was still laughing and quickly stopped himself, his features falling nearly emotionless again.
"If that is what you wish to believe, then so be it. You must know everyone then, right? You know how everyone works."
His tone was accusing. Once again, he fell silent, not looking at her but instead, pretending that his eyes needed to be focused on the horizon more than ever. His eyebrows furrowed in concentration as if he were straining to see something up ahead. Maybe he was just hoping that if he looked hard enough, Elysium would just show up and this damn trip would be over and done with.
CASSANDRA:
He wouldn't be the only one that prayed and prayed that Elysium would show up any moment on the horizon. She was starting to get rather antsy and impatient, and this man was ridiculous.
Those narrowed eyes watched him as he laughed, finding something oh-so amusing that he didn't bother to share until he was finished. "Chivalry is an idea of respect, of honor...and I have yet to see anyone else who holds such." Even Henry, as old as he was, seemed to still try to please those around him so that he could be liked, respected.
All she ever wanted was to be liked...and failed miserably at that. So, instead, she masked her discomfort behind her brazen exterior while she watched, even Edward, fall into darkness. Men were, to put it simply, all the same these days.
Perhaps it was why she didn't feel so ashamed to use them when the mood arose. "I know what others bother to show, yes," she answered his sarcastic question so matter-of-factly. "Such as you. You do not want to be here...even before I nagged you." Not that she cared, but...despite what he said, even if the queen "asked" him, he was just doing what he was told to.
ORIN:
"You assume that I do not want to be here. You do not know. You assume." His voice was calmer and more serious now, but he still did not look back at her yet. His eyes remained on the skies ahead and a slow sign escaped him. Orin wondered if he should even say anything else. She was being rather snobby and ridiculous herself. 'Chivalry is an idea of respect and honor'? What made her think he, or others for that matter, did not hold such a thing? Maybe back in Tresteria that was the way of it. But had she really given those in Elysium a chance? Did she bother to get to know anyone else. He had respect and honor, whether he showed it or not. Yes, he had made mistakes and had made outbursts that were not very respectful. But no one was perfect. Cassandra did not know much at all about him, and it was annoying that she had the nerve to act as if she knew everything about him and who he was, based off of one bad impression he made. Yes, maybe he was acting as if he did not want to be there. Or maybe he was just showing that he just wanted to be left alone and not nagged while he was working on trying to get them back home. He shook his head, glancing to her, studying her features for just a single moment. "The sea is more my home than anywhere else... Why would I not want to be here?" He tilted his head in a questioning manner before glancing away from her again. He studied the compass once again and quickly turned the wheel of the ship, all the way around, once before steadying the wheel, looking up at the sails and the clouds. It wouldn't be long before the sun would start to go down.
CASSANDRA:
"I do not need to assume, m'lord," she answered quickly. "Your face says it all." Not that she could blame him. Being on a ship unnerved her and she hardly enjoyed it. In all honesty, and she would never admit this, she was only there, nagging him, because she was afraid to be alone, especially below deck. She didn't trust the waters, the ocean that could turn on them with so much as a small wind.
And yet, she was always alone. That was the issue. Because she was from Tresteria, many of these people automatically resented her and distrusted her. So, in return, she hid behind that snobby mask. She wasn't about to share just how truly uncomfortable she was.
For a brief second, she was about to actually mutter something along those lines, about how she truly felt, but there was one thing about Cassandra that she was not willing to let go of: her pride. She was too proud to show weakness. And where she lacked in muscle and militaristic skills, she gained in wit and manipulation.
However, his words of the sea brought her to a pause.
Almost involuntarily, she stepped up to his side, glancing over the wheel, the bow of the ship, and out towards the ocean beyond. "Because the sea is unpredictable," she replied casually, almost quietly; the harsh emotion momentarily gone. Her features seemed to relax as she studied the calm waters...but she couldn't help but anticipate darkening skies, heavy gusts of wind, and deathly cold waves washing over the decks.
Her stomach twisted into knots as she tried not to remember.
Blinking herself out of the trance, thin brows furrowed slightly in curiosity, and she looked to him briefly. "Even more so than Avalendor, with your sister?"
ORIN:
This woman wasn't making any sense to him. Orin's face lacked many expressions as of lately. Or so he thought. Was he letting his emotion show through his features so easily? Or was Cassandra simply a mind reader? He couldn't help but smirk out of frustration and disbelief. What was left to say at this point? He just shook his head, never looking back at her. Orin wasn't in the mood for arguing tonight. Especially with her. For all he assumed, she would run back to Aric and complain about how horrible he was to her and that he treated her disrespectful and hurt her. She seemed the type to lie in order to get something she wanted, or to make someone's life hell. He had known people like that.
The two did share a similarity, however. Orin was not as willing to let go of his pride, as well. He didn't like to display his emotions or let anyone know how he was feeling or what he was thinking. Not unless anger is laced in with everything, and maybe a few drinks, then there was no issue throwing out, in a crowd for that matter, how he felt.
"Land can be just as unpredictable. Storms hit land. There are wars...People murder and lie and deceive one another... What's the difference?" He shrugged his shoulders, and continued steering the wheel of the ship, not paying attention that she was standing close by now. He needed to focus harder now, as the 'witching hour' was coming, where it was still light, but the dark was starting to set in, making it difficult for the eyes to adjust properly. It was the hardest time in the day to be out on the sea. One may assume night would be, but once your eyes focused, it was almost the easiest for Orin.
"Yes. More so than there." Orin was broad. He gave her no other details. He wasn't about to spill his feelings in front of a lady who looked at him as a 'bitter-hearted' man and un-chivalrous.
CASSANDRA:
All of his silent assumptions were correct, for the most part. Cassandra was most definitely the type to lie and manipulate another to get whatever it was she wanted. Of course, the question would remain whether she would run crying to Aric or not. At the moment, she had nothing to gain from such a lie; the queen's brother managed to make himself hated by others all on his own, it seemed. She wondered if he did that on purpose, keeping his distance from everyone else. Somehow she felt so alone, even when at court surrounded by people. Orin was, ultimately, alone...yet it seemed like he preferred it that way. He chose it.
She had to secretly admit, though, that when the waters were calm and almost smooth as glass, it was beautiful. Breathtaking, even. Although her heart thundered in her chest, she moved forward on almost unsteady legs, hesitant to reach the railing. As hands wrapped about it, she drew in a deep breath and seemed not to be bothered by the salty sea hair whipping through red hair, knotting it even further. She'd complain about it later on most likely. Right then, she took a moment to realize that she was far, far away from the bandits. She was safe, for now. "I suppose you're right," she murmured, barely audible. Cassandra didn't even realize that she had agreed with him- how shocking! Land was indeed just as predictable...but she knew that world better than life out at sea. She could only trust what she understood.
It was his answer to her question that had her quickly looking over her shoulder at him, eyes narrowing gently in their study of him; curiosity seeping back into her expression. "Do you not find that sad?" There was no scrutinizing in her tone this time, but nor was there any sympathy. Perhaps she was just simply trying to understand why he would choose the sea over his family.
ORIN:
The sun had begun to make its decent to the horizon, meaning the light was fading. But it left the clouds and sky a beautiful orange and pink color. Orin's gaze never drifted from the horizon, trying to focus on what was ahead and steering their ship in the right direction. If his calculations were correct, they'd be back in a half hour's time. This made him wonder what the other ship was up to. If they had Cassandra, was the other ship off on a wild goose chase for nothing? Had they run into any danger? Were they back?
If they had gotten back without Cassandra, he was sure that would stir up some issues for them.
He wished he could make the ship go faster. They were nearly there. But there was nothing more he could do.
He almost didn't hear Cassandra when she questioned him. He quickly turned to look at her, with a slightly puzzled look on his face. "What?" But then her words registered in his mind and he shrugged his shoulders as he looked away from her again.
"Maybe" He didn't know what else to say. He didn't feel like he belonged anywhere or could relate to anyone. So being alone, isolated, seemed the best for him.
"We should be back soon." Not soon enough.
[ continued in Hope on the Horizon ]
