Title to come

[yuki_lily]

Stefan couldn't allow himself to be a bit squeamish at seeing a man suddenly covered in flames. It wasn't the first time he had seen such a thing, but it had been a while. Picking up the fallen sword, he became completely focused as a warrior. With his help, the men fighting the other knights were quickly beaten and they were able to hurry over to where the horses were waiting. It did not take long for them head out, following Godwin's lead since he was still the one who knew the area the best. They rode as fast and as quickly as they could, trying to put some distance between them and any bandits that might have survived.

He wasn't sure how much time had passed when they started to slow down, but the sun was starting to set in the sky, so they would need to find a place to stop for the night. Pulling his horse up to Mariya's he noticed the blood in her hair and on the back of her coat. He called for the men to stop immediately. "The queen's been injured," he said to the others, quickly dismounting from the horse.

He started to ask her a multitude of questions when reaching up to help her from the horse. When had she been hurt? Was it before or after she started to use her magic? Was she feeling faint or ill? While he asked his questions, the others were searching through their bags for water and a clean cloth to help bandage the wound.

[Freya Maria]

Time passed slow for Mariya even as the group of horses sped away from the camp site. How long? She didn't know but by the time Stefan pulled his horse close to her, her face had lost a great deal of color. Her head was pounding, her eyes blurry. At least the horse had the common sense to keep following the knights. She was holding the reins but her balance was slowly becoming questionable.

Her coat and the shirt underneath were soaked with caked in blood and still damp. She bled easily now, ever since she'd become ill. It wasn't quite hemophilia but it certainly didn't bode well for her in moments like these. A closer inspection of the wound on her head would only reveal a bump and the still small but steady trickle of blood though it had been quite some time since the hilt of the sword had struck her at the back portion of her head.

She didn't trust herself to dismount alone so she waited until Stefan had dismounted and all but lifted her off the horse. Her feet were unsteady and so she circled her arms around his neck. it cold have been more intimate given their history but to the other knights it would look only as though she were injured and Stefan was doing his duty in helping her. She could barely keep up with his questions. yes she felt weak, yes she was still bleeding. When had she gotten hurt? When the bandits had come. Before or after her magic? She couldn't answer, she wasn't sure.

She felt confused, unsure now how she'd done that magic and yet it was clear all at once. Like a split mind in her head with the two sides warring for her attention. The modern and the old. The other knights were bustling around, gathering their supplies which had been tossed together hastily after the bandits had gone through it. Her voice was quiet, only meant for Stefan but she wasn't sure she could have spoken any louder if she'd wanted to do so. When she spoke, there was the smallest difference in her voice, something much more reminiscent of the past and yet not quite there all the same, the tremor in her voice giving her away. "Stefan, help me. I'm so confused. What's going on?" She wasn't even sure what she was talking about.

[yuki_lily]

Stefan held her carefully as her arms were about his neck. This was nothing like the time his queen had done this. There was no laughter or joy in this moment. Or playful teasing of lovers. He held her close now in fear that she might go limp and fall to the ground. Though as he heard her speak softly to him, it was as though it was the queen speaking, not the Mariya he met in the other world. Not hesitating, he moved his arms and scooped her up.

"I think they hit her on the back of her head," he said to the others, carrying the queen to where the others were motioning. He asked if he might lay her on her side, though it was more of a courtesy question since he was going to do so anyways. They needed to find the wound and stop the bleeding. "She's lost a lot of blood. It's a miracle she was able to use her powers like that with such an injury."

Again, he begged forgiveness as he removed her coat, then able to see just how bloodstained her shirt was. Cursing under his breath, he and Montague worked to find the wound and clean it as best they could. Montague apparently had a bit more skill with healing spells so Stefan left the healing to him. The best they were able to do was stop the bleeding with his magic, but the bump wouldn't go away.

While they tried to make her comfortable, the others were discussing whether it would be safe to camp there, or if they should go a bit further. Stefan was of the opinion to staying since the queen was hurt. The eldest of the group, Wilhelm, said that they should put more distance between them and the bandits. Stefan eventually relented, since apparently there was a creek not far from where they were, and it would be better to camp near fresh water.

[Freya Maria]

Mariya didn't have it in her to argue as Stefan scooped her up and rested her on her side. The jacket came off and exposed the shirt underneath but it was thinner than the coat she had been wearing and she soon shivered in the cold night air. She felt exhausted, it was difficult to stay awake like this. Could she sleep like this? With a concussion? With her confused mind she couldn't even recall if that was safe but something told her no. Oh, but she wanted to As the men cleaned the wound and the knight tried to heal it she was fighting to stay awake and somewhat alert. If they were attacked, she would be of no help.


Sir Godwin was of the opinion it was better to remain where they were but there was truth in the other knight's words. They needed water for the horses and themselves as the skins they had were empty. It didn't seem a far ride either. He waited until the other men were back on the horses before helping Stefan get the queen up and off the ground. He kept his voice quiet "You should ride with her." He was worried the woman might not keep her balance. "I'll lead her horse for her."

[yuki_lily]

Stefan helped to put her coat back on since she was shivering. There was nothing they could do to wash it out now. Once he had her coat on, he picked her up again and carried her over to his horse. He asked if she could stand for just a moment, though Godwin was there beside her to help her stand and then also to lift her up onto the horse in front of him.

"We're not going very far," he told her, his arms around her before holding onto the reigns. "But we need fresh water for us and the horses. Try not to fall asleep. Not until we get there and have our camp set up."

Once the other men were on their horses, they moved on. The sun had all but set when he heard the sounds of water. He thanked the gods under his breath that they could finally stop. With little instructions, they all set to work in making their camp for the night. Godwin helped him get Mariya down from the horse and they settled her at the base of a tree so her back could lean against it. Again he asked her to not fall asleep, and helped the others water the horses, gather kindling for a fire, and Montague went through their supplies to see about making a meager meal for them. They were all exhausted and hungry, but it wasn't the first time for any of them and they knew things had to be done before they could relax a little.

Stefan kept checking on Mariya. He was worried about her. She was still very pale and he wondered if sleep would help her. Once they had some supper heating up, he checked her injury again. Still swollen, but no further bleeding. "You should try to at least drink something," he said to her, offering to get her some water.

[Freya Maria]

Not falling asleep was harder than he could have imagined. she rested her back against them as they rode in quiet to the creek. Her head had turned in towards his neck, a move which felt all too familiar to her. She wanted to sleep but in her right mind she knew better. She remained with Stefan until sir Godwin helped lift her, as gently as Stefan could have asked, from the horse, holding her up until Stefan took charge.

With her back against the tree she watched the men. She noted sir Godwin glancing over any time that Stefan came to her. Did he know something about them? Something perhaps she didn't? Maybe. she couldn't think about it eight now but she did see concern on the other knoght's face when he did look at her. She knew the injury was bad, she needed no convincing. The healing spells had barely touched the pain and had only really worked to stop the bleeding. When Stefan mentioned her drinking something, she could only nod, too tired to move and argue with him. She had a feeling he would win anyway.

When he offered her the cup of water she sipped it, moving to sit forward. one hand had clasped the ground to keep from falling all the way over. She even quietly let him check the injury "I guess, being an insomniac will be useful right now." she mumbled, grimacing as he checked the wound. "you shouldn't let me sleep tonight, mot for a few hours." It was no doubt safer if she didn't though the reasons why that was were currently lost on her. "where are we going? I don't remember."

[yuki_lily]

Stefan didn't notice Godwin's looks at all. He was too focused on making sure that Mariya was alright. He blamed himself really. At the first sign of trouble he should have slipped the ring on her finger and had her turn it three times. Or done so himself. Whatever had to be done to keep her out of harm's way. But he had failed her again.

Helping her take sips of water from the cup, he knew she must be a lot worse than he thought since she couldn't remember where they were going. "We're going to go see your brother, Nisha. He will know where your dragons are and we are ultimately going to go see them."

He also asked if she would like some food, but water seemed best for now. He agreed that he would keep her awake for a few hours more. He was very tired himself, but it if would help her he would do it.

[Freya Maria]

Nisha. Right. She remembered that now. "He's pretty far from here." She remarked quietly. She was glad they were a ways away from the other men. Speaking quietly she could keep a private conversation with just Stefan which was all she wanted. The other knights were kind but it was Stefan she trusted and not the others. How she knew the distance was beyond her, she didn't question it though, in fact it didn't come to her mind that her modern self would have any idea where that was and where she was in relation.

She fell quiet for awhile as the other men took to speaking quietly. She watched Stefan in the darkness, only the slightest light from the fire helping her see him. "you know, I'm sorry about what I said the other day. " Not that as queen she would have been expected to apologize but Mariya was different in that way, at least for now and she did truly think her words had been harsh. Granted, her had lied to her and betrayed her but that could rest on her conscious. Perhaps the whole Catholic guilt thing her mother had so often used was kicking in.

(Quick post! I"m off to my dads for supper. I'll still be on but itll be on my phone.)

[yuki_lily]

Stefan nodded in agreement that they were still a good distance away from Nisha's court. He honestly wasn't quite sure how far away, but perhaps she had gained some memories about travelling from her homeland to where they were now when she was sent to marry Ghastail. He of course could not be certain, but he was not going to question her in this.

When she suddenly apologized, he wasn't quite sure how to respond. "You have nothing to apologize for. I broke my word and place you in harm's way. It's I who should be asking for your forgiveness."

She wasn't the only one feeling guilty. He may have broken his word to take her home after a few days, but keeping her safe was his duty as a knight. He had failed her and it was unacceptable. And even if she forgave him, as he knew his love would have done, he was sure it made the others question just how well he could protect their queen. He couldn't seem weak at a time like this. Not when her safety and cooperation was the only hope their kingdom had.

Excusing himself, he went to get her more water and some food. He didn't think she would eat much, but there was a bit of broth he was going to see if she would drink. As he sat with the men for a moment, he asked them how far out they were from Nisha's kingdom. Hearing that they were nearly a week out, that's if they didn't have any other issues while traveling, he frowned. He hadn't realized just how far away the seaside kingdom was, but there was nothing they could do about it.

He returned to Mariya with the food and water, and a bit of bread if she wanted it.

[Freya Maria]

She still felt bad but said nothing more. She had apologized and it was all she felt she offered him, situation considering. When he returned with the water and the piece of bread with soup she did try to eat most of it but she was a notoriously picky eater most times. She had to have been hungry to consider even trying to eat. Or maybe she felt guilty enough about him trying to protect her and her getting angry enough that she was trying to at least take away a small amount of his concern.

A weeks travel to Nisha's kingdom was long but with her limited memory she didn't know anyone else she'd trust to appear there. Who knew what had happened with her memories so skewed? "Whose in charge of the kingdom?" She asked suddenly, a small interest taking her in those moments. She hadn't managed to get most of her memories yet but he had said she was needed. Hadn't someone stepped up? She had no way of knowing it was one of Ghastail's b*****d sons, a man in line with Laurentiu's teachings since he'd been banished to the side of the enemy upon his birth. Bastards had no place in Ghastail's world. They were an unfortunate byproduct of his war campaigns and yet if there were no successors-and there weren't from his lineage and no heir named by her, it was possible the man was in power. She wouldn't know. But she was curious.

[yuki_lily]

Stefan sat beside Mariya, trying to keep her awake for just as long as possible. He was glad she was eating at least a little, and he would have to watch her to make sure it didn't make her ill. When she asked about who was ruling the kingdom now, he wondered if she was asking about her brother's kingdom, though quickly realized that she must mean the kingdom in which she was queen.

He explained that one of Ghastail's sons had been made king after her death. He assured her that it was not her son, and the man did not have any true claims to the throne. "He's Laurentiu's puppet," he shared. "Technically, without you here, then Ghastail's nephew should be on the throne, but we're not certain if he's still alive or not. I'm sure Laurentiu has killed most of those who might try to claim the throne."

As exhausted as they all were, it didn't take long for them to agree for Stefan to keep the first watch, since he was trying to keep Mariya awake for the next few hours. He told her a little of the politics going on between the kingdoms. At least what he knew of. He wasn't certain if there had been some changes in the past year. He and there resistance had been traveling so much that sometimes they didn't dare try to ask locals in case they were betrayed to Laurentiu's men.

"You should get some sleep, my queen," he finally said. "You look like you can hardly keep your eyes open. I think you are past danger with the injury to your head."

[Freya Maria]

Mariya could only listen to him as he explained who was in power. Some of it didn't sound very familiar but other parts of it did. She tried to make a point to remember it all but she did feel so tired. "His nephew wouldn't have been an improvement." Mariya replied quietly, shrugging a little bit. Anyone with Ghastail's bloodline was a poor excuse of a ruler. She had done her damage of course she knew that but not like Ghastail and his family. They'd been an entirely different league of evil.

When he mentioned she should sleep, Mariya didn't even argue. She nodded, her eyes closing. At first she couldn't sleep, every sound disturbed her but soon she drifted into a deep sleep. It was very early morning when she woke. She still had a vicious headache and as she moved the first wave of pain did wash over her. She waited for it to pass, her shoulders and neck were stiff too. When would this end? She was tiring of all the traveling, and very much unused to this way of life. The knights were still sleeping except for the watchman but she didn't disturb them. The quiet was a welcome change, a chance to gather her thoughts before they got on the move. Again.

[yuki_lily]

Stefan was glad to see Mariya sleep. He was tired himself, but also quite alert and a little on edge to make sure that they were not caught during the night. Though hopefully any surviving bandits would be so concerned about surviving themselves that they would not come after them. Though he was a little worried that they would know that a woman traveling with a group of men had powers over fire. And if they were to travel to the lands of the lord they had mentioned, they would know the man didn't have any daughters. He hoped that word of them wouldn't travel to Laurentiu.

The following morning it was John who woke him. They had a short time to ready themselves for the continuation of their trip. He paid special attention to Mariya, making sure that she was feeling as well as could be and he checked her head again. Still a goose egg, but he hoped that the swelling would go down soon either naturally or with a bit of healing from him or Montague. After a bit of food, they all mounted their horses and left their camp.


((Short post is short, but my brain is dead.))

[Freya Maria]

Several long days of riding passed. At least the injury to her head had lessened. It was still tender to touch but the swelling was reduced thanks to the healing abilities of one of the knights and the time which had passed. She rode alone on her horse, mostly quiet. Sometimes little flashes of memory occured but for the most part Mariya found herself at a status quo. She wanted to remember more, many things felt just out of reach for her to remember and she kept hoping for that one more piece of information. There seemed a lot going on in these nations, things she should know and didn't. It bothered her.

They were nearly halfway to Nisha's kingdom, at a crossroads between his and her other brother's kingdom. Another day and they would be able to swing onto the road which went north to her home country. She hadn't been there much since her marriage to Ghastail. Her father was still alive and she had little desire to see him after he'd sold her off to her dead husband. He claimed he had no choice, she begged to differ.

Her eyes remained on the road or at the horse's mane. She'd be happy to get somewhere inside. She was tired, her energy null by now. Unlike the knights she was unaccustomed to these hard and long days of travel. She'd never felt so tired. She did very well hiding it but as each day grew into the next she felt it harder to do so.

It was late into their travels, the knights had decided to push on a little past sunset to get to a lake nearby for the horses. The weather had already shifted here as they crossed a small mountain range. She found it colder and kept her chin buried in her coat. Sure, it was a warm jacket but it wasn't built for snow and earlier she'd sworn to herself, as they rode higher on the rode, that she had seen a snowflake. She was too tired to argue about pushing onwards and simply urged her horse to keep going too. It was only when Sir Godwin raised his hand and indicated for them to stop that she did so, keeping her own horse close to Stefan. There was a small caravan of armored knights up ahead but Godwin didn't seem so concerned when they got closer. She had to wonder who they were.

[yuki_lily]

Even Stefan was noticing that the weather was changing the farther they traveled. They would have to pick up the pace or else it might start snowing. His clothes from the other world did not keep his as warm as he would like. They all would need to get better clothes before too long, though he was hoping that they would reach Nisha's castle before the weather turned so her brother could provide them with new clothes and provisions.

As they tried to make the final stretch of road before reaching the lake, he was quite surprised to see a group of soldiers. His hand instantly went to his sword and he stayed close to Mariya. He followed Godwin's lead, trusting his judgement on if they should approach the soldiers or not. They could not afford another instance of being captured. They might not be so lucky to escape a second time.

They hung back a little while one of the men from the group approached them. He spoke the common tongue, but it was heavily accented. He recognized the accent from Mariya, so knew the man must be from her homeland. Once it was established that they were not enemies, they moved closer to the lake so that they could water the horses. Stefan did as he had grown accustom to doing and dismouted then helped Mariya down. One of the foreign soldiers stayed speaking with Godwin.

"I believe they are from your brother's kingdom, thought I don't know if that brother is Nisha or Nathaniel," he said quietly to her. With any luck these men were heading in the same direction. It would look good for them if they had an escort and would certainly resolve any issues they may have in requesting an audience with the king.

Once the horses were able to drink and the five of them stretch their legs, Montague approached them and mentioned that the men's captain wanted to speak with them. "Your majesty, their captain wishes to meet you. He asked Godwin if you were the priestess, Reja."