How They Met

[acfaerie]

“EXTRA, EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!” Jasper waved the paper in the air as he had been doing for the past 3 years. It was a good gig. It was getting him out of the street life and hopefully in the next couple years he would work inside the building. He looked back in the general direction when a gentleman coughed his way offering him his payment as he gave him a paper and tipped his imaginary hat. He stuffed the change into his pocket and continued calling out. “EXTRA EXTRA! LEADER OF MURDER GANG ON TRIAL!” A couple more people scurried to him handing over their money as he handed them each a paper and once again tipped his imaginary hat. He stuffed the money in his pocket again and took in the crisp August air. It was August 18, 1921. The sun was high but not beating down like most days. He reached his hand up towards the sky to feel the warmth on his hand.

He heard a noise a couple fruit carts down and leaned over from the ledge of the sidewalk to see what was going on. A girl. A girl unlike he had seen before. Golden and glistening like the wheat on harvest day. A man interrupted him and gave him a tap on the shoulder and he handed him a paper and fiddled with the coin in his hand as his glance turned back where the girl had been. This time she had vanished. Just as his breath had when he had first seen her. “She must not be from around here. “ he whispered to himself. He rubbed the nape of his neck and suddenly felt a most gentle tap from the back. He dropped the coin and quickly went to retrieve it.

He whipped his head back as he started to say “Sorry for the delay, would you like a pap…” his jaw dropped. It was the girl he had just seen. She was right there. In front of him. Looking slightly confused. He realized one second too late that his jaw had been hanging for a bit longer than it should have and he turned slightly red. “Sorry, Miss. Would you care for a paper?” He managed to mumble apologetically. She just peered over at it and took off. As she left him, one of her gloves had come off. He dove to catch it as to preserve the white and keep it from matching the shade of the muddied streets. “Miss…” she had taken off again in a different direction. He spotted her off at a distance and started running for her. What was she running from or to? Was she in danger? What could he do? A common boy… his thoughts trailed as he started to catch up to her. Something appeared as he reached to tap her shoulder they both disappeared from the street.  

[-Da llama king-]

Katrina felt her heart pounding, almost through her chest as she shook in fear. She hid behind a large tree while she blinked back tears, her arms shaking. Were they gone? She wondered, finally able to think again. "Lillith?" She said, or did she think it? She heard nothing but the beat of her own heart. She had been flying with pixies and faeries alike when the people in armor attacked. It was a blur of terror and chaos as Kat changed back into her human form and ran. Maybe a part of her hoped that the people would leave her alone if they saw she was just a girl. Maybe she just could not hold her pixie form from being so frightened. Katrina did not know what happened or how she really escaped but she had stopped running once she realized she was about to faint. Looking around, she began to realize she was lost. Katrina did not know where the attack had happened, the woods all look the same. Lillith was the best at knowing the woods. Tears started to fall down her face while she once again peeked out from behind the tree. Was she safe? "Lily!" She forced herself to call out, using her sister's pixie name. She wanted to go home though she did not know the way. Katrina waited, listening to the soft wind through the woods when she heard noises she did not recognize. Something like an elephant trumpet and a buzzing hum. It was then Katrina realized, these were not even the same trees she had been playing around. These were not oak trees.

Katrina inhaled slowly as she smoothed her dress, an act of reassurance and habit. She then held her head high as she forced herself to walk towards the sounds. She had the hope it would help her find her sister. Katrina left the forest to find that it was a park of some kind. Looking around, Katrina was wide eyed seeing people wearing strange clothes while they walked about. "Hey little lady." Katrina heard, causing her to whirl around, her lacy glove to her lips as she tried to hide her shock. She saw a man in a suit and hat, he looked to be older; by at least five years. "Pardon?" She asked in a shaky voice. The man tipped his hat as he gave a lopsided smile. "Didn't mean to startle you. Just wondering if ya lost." He said with a charming smile that reminded Katrina of her betrothed. A smile she did not trust. "I am well. No need for alarm." Katrina replied with a fake smile. She stayed put while waiting for the man to take his leave, but he stayed put. "You may take your leave." Katrina said trying to sound sternly. "No need to get in a huff lady. It's a free country. I can be where I like." The man said while he reached into his jacket then took out something square from a pocket and something shiny from his pants. Katrina found herself curious of the items but she kept a safe distance from the man. Not daring to turn her back on him. He lifted the strange shiny object and produced fire. It must be a lighter! Katrina realized. I have heard of these! Katrina blinked as she crept a bit closer to see. She had been told they were dangerous, and large in size. How strange. "See somethin ya like darlin?" The man said then grabbed her left arm. Horrified at this man's audacity, Katrina tried to free her arm. She slipped off her glove on her right hand, with her left then reached up slapping the man across the face with a loud resounding noise as flesh hit flesh. "How dare you!" She uttered and was released by the man, mostly due to surprise.

Katrina took that opportunity to dash, making her way towards other people. She did not know where she was going, but anywhere was better than there. Katrina found herself leaving the park to see the largest buildings she had ever seen in her life. Clutching her glove still with her left hand, she looked up at the buildings in a stunned awe. Where on Earth am I? She wondered, the horror of that morning no longer her biggest worry. "Goodness..." Katrina could find no other word to express her surprise while she slowly walked, looking at everything. The strange people, the strange machines. Katrina even noticed a few automobiles, which seemed to be very different than she heard of. Besides, how could this many people afford one? They were a silly creation when a horse and carriage worked just fine. Katrina still found herself curious as she watched them drive by. How strange. She thought, walking along the street. She must look quite strange as she looked about, wide eyed. Katrina noticed the air even smelt different, harsh almost. This was most certainly not home. Did the people in armor do something? She wondered while trying to control her breathing. There was no sense panicking, she told herself. Crossing the street, Katrina decided she must find someone in charge. She nodded to herself while she smoothed her dress once more. Her father was related to the Duke after all. They would find her a way home. She reassured herself. She avoided a rabble of children running past and almost collided with a man. He avoided her and there was a loud noise from the fruit card he knocked into. "Do forgive me." Katrina said while she curtsied with a blush. The man looked annoyed but he accepted her apologies and continued on his way. She noticed a young man with messy dirty blonde hair who was handing out rolled up newspaper to people. Maybe that would provide some clues. She decided then made her way through the crowd to him. When she got there, she saw he was bending down to retrieve a coin. Katrina tried to read the paper without bothering the lad, but was annoyed she could see nothing. She gently tapped his shoulder and was greeted with a blank look. Katrina glanced and saw the date on the paper and froze internally. How can this be? She thought to herself, did not even bother to reply to his question, she hitched her dress and fled.

No, this cannot be... this has to be a lie! What of my sister? How can I ever find her now?! Katrina thought as the panic surfaced and bubbled around her. She did not even hear the boy calling to her, or notice the fact she had dropped her glove. Katrina was practically crying as she ran, her blurred vision did not notice the crack appear before her. A thin faint line at first and could only be noticed by those looking directly at it. The crack opened and a dark wavy spiral swallowed them both taking them away from the streets of New York. The moment the gate closed around them, Katrina tripped on a rock and stumbled; falling to find the boy from the street had followed her and her fall caused him to trip into her. Katrina squeaked as she scrambled to get away. Not wanting more unwanted attention, nor did she have the ability to calm down. She found tears falling as she sobbed. Not knowing what to do or where she was now.

(They are in Germany 1700's)  

[acfaerie]

Jasper found a force lurching him forward with no way of stopping. He wasn't entirely sure what was going on and what had happened. Maybe they were in one of them Silent films? Yeah that must be it. And she must be an actress. That had to be it! And the crying? Maybe they were being filmed this second. He was going to be on tv? This could be a test and his big break.

He didn't notice he had fallen against her as she backed away, he realized what had happened. He shook off some of the dirt from the fall, not like it would help his attire. He kept his distance as he was unsure how to handle this situation.

"Miss, I didn't mean to startle you." He paused and tapped against his pockets to find her glove. "I do believe this belongs to you, M'am." He took the glove out and offered it over to her, still making sure to make no sudden moments so as to not frighten her. Her face looked distorted while she cried. He found it fascinating. How was crying going to help her? He looked around to see if there was anyone around.

They had made it to some place. A grassy field from the looks of it. He looked around again. It wasn't a movie set. He was somewhere completely different. It looked like an area where farm land would be. He hesitated and ruffled his hair a little as he kept his hand outstretched with her glove it in.

"I say Miss, is there anything I can help with? This place sure does look awfully strange..." he softly smiled reassuring her that all would be well.  

[-Da llama king-]

Katrina practically jumped when she heard him speak. Standing then turning slightly she tried to regain her composure, while she blushed, trying to hide her face as she realized she was being watched. "Do forgive me... I am out of sorts..." She started to say when he fumbled through his pockets and retrieved something. She blinked in surprise seeing the young man holding her glove. "You have my thanks..." Katrina softly spoke while she hesitantly plucked her glove from his hand. She used her ungloved hand to slowly wipe her face, trying to regain her dignity. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself then she took looked around. This was not the city or park, nor was it the woods she came from before. Her attention was brought back to the stranger. Help? How could you possibly help? Katrina wanted to say, but she feigned a smile as she nodded while once again looking at the landscape. They appeared to be in the middle of nowhere. "I do believe there is little you can help with, but thank you. You are very kind. I take it you do not recognize where we are as well?" She said, trying to hide her worry. He seemed to be handling the situation better than she. "Pardon my rudeness. I am Katrina Glasner." Katrina said with a curtsy then she smiled awaiting to hear the boy's name.

"Wer ist da?" A male voice rang out, a shadow walking towards them before the image of a farmer became clear. Katrina paused before she put her glove back on and stood tall. "Hallo?" She called out and waved to the farmer. The man frowned then replied, "Niederländisch? Was machst du hier?" Katrina slowly rolled the words over in her mind before she said, "Waar is hier?" She was trying to get some information of their location, maybe learn how to get to England. Or wherever the boy was from. "Was meinst du? Deutschland, natürlich." The farmer stated,quite confused. Katrina froze while she translated and felt her legs shake while another shock came upon her. She glanced back at the young man who somehow ended up in this strange place with her; she spoke in English in a quiet voice before the farmer got too close. "I do believe this man said we are in Germany!"  

[acfaerie]

He frowned looking around the area. He felt like a fish out of water. Unsure of his surroundings and had no idea about this beautiful enchantress. At least that's what they called beautiful girls like her. "I can't say I do, Miss." he straightened himself up and his left arm started to itch. He wondered why it itched at a time like this. That's strange he thought as he ignored it and looked over at her. He was perplexed and amazed that she knew what to do and was able to act on her feet. Just a moment ago she was sobbing on the ground. He couldn't wrap his head around her. His intrigue just kept growing. He wanted to know more about her and what she does and where she came from but it wasn't time for that.

"Oh, nice to meet you Miss Katrina." He offered his hand. "The name's Jasper. Jasper T. Sidwolf."

He looked back to hear the voice. The language sounded a tad familiar but he couldn't understand it much. Slightly picking up some words he pieced together that she was trying to find out where they were. He ran his fingers through his hair trying to make the look of it better but to no avail.

"Germany... well that's a ways a way... how did we end..." he stopped whispering to her as the farmer got into earshot. He froze and gave a small smile unable to move and unsure what would happen to them and what would become of them in this situation.  

[outlaw trinidy]

She noted Jasper's name just before she heard the farmer and the conversation started. Dizzy from this information, Katrina tried to ask for something directions to something familiar. Her homeland, Holland. "We zijn verdwaald. Weet je de weg naar Holland?" She eyed the farmer, seeing soft blue eyes and golden blonde hair as he wiped his brow with a bit of cloth. He seemed friendly enough but his eyes glanced at them in suspicion. "Wo kommen Sie her Kind?" He asked, putting the bit of cloth in his back pocket. Of course he would be suspicious of two strangers, Katrina would not fault him for his slight glare. She was a young lady, but she looked young so she did not correct him when he had called her a child. She was not yet wed, her fingers bore no ring. "Holland." She lied, yet spoke the truth. "Sie sind weit von zu Hause! Wie bist du hier hergekommen?" The farmer asked, sounding shocked to see such travelers. Katrina hesitated and glanced at Jasper. The farmer had asked how they got there. To which she had no answer. Thankfully, before she could answer there was the sound of horses riding towards them. "Schnell! Verstecken!" The farmer suddenly said, waving for them to hide. He pointed towards some bushes off near the field; he looked scared when he waved and gestured for them to be quick with their actions.

Katrina looked at the bush then back at the farmer as she made a face if dislike. "Die Französisch! Sie kommen zurück!" The farmer tried to explain, only confusing Katrina. Did the French declare war again? She wondered then whimpered as she once again looked at the bush that could hide them. There would be bugs and nasty slimy creatures. "He wants us to hide..." Katrina whispered to Jasper, not sure she was brave enough to hide in that dark spooky bush.  

[acfaerie]

Jasper stared at their exchange. He was unsure what they were saying and what was going on. He knew whatever she was telling him, he wasn't buying completely.

It would be much easier if everyone spoke a common language. He mused with the notion.

He saw the horses approach and the farmer become panicked. Something was going on and he really didn't want to find out. He kept paying close attention to Katrina trying to see what they were to do next. Hanging on her every word. Every single strand that fell along side her fac-- he shook his head as she started talking to him.

"Right, then we should do as we are told. Sorry, Miss." He didn't hesitate and scooped her into his arms and dove into the bush. He let her go and tried to help her get some of the stuff that had gotten caught in her hair. "Sorry about that, Miss." he said softly. "Just want us to be safe, Miss." he peered from the bush to see what commotion was going on.

Looked like a couple of men in uniform. There were words exchanged. They surveyed the area and looked directly at where they were hiding. He held his breath and placed his finger in front of his lips to indicate that they were to be silent so as to not be detected.

That aroma. Her smell was intoxicating. He could stay in this bush all day if he had to so that he could stay enveloped in the smell. He shook his head again. Silly things filling his head at a time like this. He wasn't sure if he should peek out again as he was not sure if they had seen him.  

[outlaw trinidy]

Katrina felt bad for Jasper, assuming he did not speak Dutch or German. She suspected the farmer would be even more suspicious if she spoke English. She was unable to get rid of shock, she was actually in Germany. This was not some weird dream or sneaky faerie magic. Did the knights do something? She wondered while she tried to follow the conversation with the farmer. The words were similar enough to Dutch, she only needed to mildly translate it still was starting to give her a headache. Or was it the end of summer heat, maybe even the shock of being in a different time, now a different country! She feared she was unable to take anymore shocks. So much had happened to her in the past month.

Nervously, Katrina pushed back some of her hair behind her ear while she bit her lip while she debated about going in the bush. When Jasper picked her up, taking her choice from her she squeaked in surprise feeling a strange bubbling sensation come over her. It reminded her of magic; but she could only do magic when she was a pixie. Panic swam through her mind as she begged her magic to not change her; she was going to meet the elder and learn how to control her magic after the coronation party, that night. She was taken into the bush and muffled a scream as she put her gloved hands over her mouth. She knew why they were there to hide, but she shuddered thinking of the slimy creatures that might crawl all over her. Closing her eyes she was slightly grateful when Jasper brushed through her hair to take out the twigs and various leaves. She whimpered in worry, trying to not think of the little creatures living there. When the soldiers came, Katrina knew she should stay quiet, but if something brushed up against her; she would scream. She just knew it.

Franz Bachmeier was surprised to see two strangers standing in his field, he had thought they were from a nearby village but the girl spoke Dutch. Dutch! Franz thought while he mentally shook his head. He made a guess to their ages, 13-15 at most, maybe older for the lad. No children between the two, so maybe newly married? He thought, assuming they were a young couple. He was unsure if he heard her correctly when she was asking how to get to Holland. Surly they were not from Holland. That was months of travel, and the two had no food. Only one bag between the two; and it seemed to be nearly empty. When he asked where they were from, he was startled to hear Holland. They really came from Holland! How could they have survived? How did the young lady keep her dress so clean... He found himself thinking wondering if they were lying. It was strange that the girl was talking and not the boy; but Franz said nothing on that. He wondered if the young lady was a daughter or wife of a soldier, and she ran off with the houseboy. Shifting those thought aside, he asked how they got here.

When he heard the horses coming fast, Franz knew immediately the french were coming back. They had come to his farm every day, stealing his crop and farm animals. He warned the two and told them to go hide. The girl looked upset and her husband seemed to carry her off to take charge. Franz walked a bit to the road to greet the soldiers who insulted him in mixed English and French. Not wanting his home and family raided, Franz had agreed the soldiers could get their food from him but; they were taking so much. Franz and his family would starve that winter if the soldiers continued coming.

There were four soldiers; dressed for war with their weapons close at hand. Their leader spoke to the farmer, while they looked around. Surveying the land. One swore they saw something move and glared but he dismissed it as a rabbit. There was a high pitched scream, sounded female and it came from the bush. The leader aimed his rifle at the farmer while the other soldiers surrounded the bush. "Venez avec vos mains!" They commanded, then repeated in slurred English. "Come out hands up!"  

[acfaerie]

Jasper's attention focused on Katrina. She was panicking and might give their position away.

"Miss Katrina." He said softly. "It will be okay,I'll make sure of it." He warmly smiled half reassuring. He was overcome with this sudden urge to protect her. To hold her. To ki.... He shook his head. Thoughts that the situation was putting in his head. He spotted a corn snake far away from where it should have been gliding against Katrina's leg. He slowly grabbed it, slightly grazing her leg as he held it out. "See I got it." he said and whispered.

She screamed and he threw the snake in the opposite direction and tried helping her cup her mouth to muffle the screams.

The solders were alerted. They had the Farmer and now they had surrounded them in the bush. He kept trying to think, what were they to do. He uncupped her mouth.

"Sorry Miss Katrina." He whispered. "How do we get out of this one?" he had an idea but had no idea how it was going to work. He latched his arm to hers and brought them both up above the bush and waved. He whispered. "Lets find a way out of this fast. Any ideas?" He kept smiling at all of them.  

[outlaw trinidy]

Katrina tried to control her magic she felt bubbling up, she hardly heard Jasper try to reassure her. She felt something brush against her leg and glanced down to see a snake being taken away. A scream escaped her lips as she tried to get away from the slithering creature. Jasper tried to muffle her screams but the soldiers came over and demanded they leave the bush with their hands up. Her legs felt weak as she was helped to stand. She saw the rifles and grew pale while she slid behind Jasper in a fluid motion. She put her hands on his shoulders, to the benefit of the soldiers to show she had no weapon, Katrina was grateful Jasper was taller than her. She realized soldiers would not respect her words, so she started to think of a plan to get out of this. Maybe if they were seen as harmless travelers, they would be left alone....

"Speak and explain we are lost. Visiting family and from Holland."

Katrina whispered softly while she peeked out at the soldiers once more. She told herself she was only playing the part of a defenceless woman. Disregarding the fact her terror filled mind gave her no other options so she easily fell into that role.  

[acfaerie]

He brought his hands up and nodded to what Katrina had said. He turned to look at the soldiers.
"Lost. Visiting Family. From Holland." He managed to stumble out as the guards started to whisper amongst themselves. The weren't completely convinced. One of the soldiers straightened their uniforms as the other had their rifle pointed at them.

"You needs to be documented." He managed to blurt out in English. He stroked his chin. "You come with." and with one swift motion he made a hand motion to the other guards and they pointed with their rifles for them to follow.
Jasper wrapped one of his arms to support her as they walked out of the bush. She seemed to be slightly limping.

Was she okay? She did fall earlier... his thoughts trailed as they followed them towards the horses. One of the guards had given Katrina a look that he didn't like at all. He tightened his hold on her a little more and the guard looked away.

The guard with no weapon had vanished for a few minutes as they were readied on a horse with one of the guards. He had come back with a bag of the farmer's crops and threw it over to another.

"We bring you for questions" the main guard said looking at the two of them. He gave a swift smack on the horse's romp and it started to take off. He was in front of Katrina and he whispered back to her. "Hold tight. We are going to have to find a way to make a getaway somehow." He pressed his lips into a thin line as his brows furrowed.

They could try to knock out the guard, but they were carrying weapons so that wouldn't work. He debated asking to go to the side to use the bathroom but then Katrina would stay back with the guards... He kept mulling over ideas in his head as the horses made their way to the French campsite.  

[~Da llama queen~]

Katrina was waiting for the soldiers to make up their mind, she was nervous to be near the weapons and soldiers. Documented? Katrina thought with worry. She had no papers, no information and her name Glasner was well known thanks to her Father's status and wealth. She was guided by Jasper, her legs tingled while trying to keep her standing. While she was scared to be in this situation, she was reassured slightly that she was not alone. And Jasper did not seem to treat her like property like other men in her life seemed to do.

Katrina sat sidesaddle while she kept close to Jasper, he was better than the soldiers. So she would trust him, for now though she was not sure what they could do to get away. She was not going to be held for ransom, that's for sure. She thought with a slight sniff of defiance. She nodded when Jasper spoke while she held onto him from behind, "Please do not mention my surname to them..." she whispered, assuming it would cause them more trouble. She eyed the landscape seeing only farmland, no good places to try and get away. They were all on horses, so they would be tracked down quickly. Katrina was deep in thought and was coming up with a plan when they reached the campsite.

There were hundreds of Frenchmen in soldier uniforms, Katrina clutched Jasper's arm as she scooched closer to him slightly. Her ears picked up the French soldier's talk, learning that they had plans to march to the nearby village. A few of the soldiers looked over, seeing Katrina and Jasper. Talks of women drifted into the camp making Katrina hold her head high in contempt. She would not give away the fact she knew how to speak their language, and she would not let their insulting speech bother her.

The soldiers split off, leaving the single soldier left with the two guest. Assuming the travelers would cause no drama because they were vastly outnumbered. The soldier took them to the main tent and slid off the horse while he gestured the two to get down. "Answer questions." he said while pointing to the tent. Katrina waited, then accepted help to get off the horse, then she smoothed her dress. Following the two men into the tent, Katrina kept close to Jasper not sure what to expect.

"Monsieur, nous avons trouvé ces deux à la ferme. Ils disent qu'ils sont de Hollande." The soldier said once he entered the tent; glaring at Jasper and Katrina. Their commander glanced up from his map, eying the two young people. "Hollande?" He asked in a surprised tone. "Ils disent qu'ils visitaient la famille." The soldier said with a salute. The commander frowned as he stood tall to eye the strangers. "Famille hein?" He murmured as he put his arms behind his back. How strange. He thought, while taking in their appearances. The young man seemed to be poor, with strange clothes while the young lady had the air of wealth. Tisking, the commander smiled slightly while he said, "You expect me to believe dis? Who are you?" He asked, speaking better English than many of the soldiers. Katrina let Jasper field all questions while she tried to appear small and helpless.  

[acfaerie]

"I won't" he whispered back as his face stayed glued to the trail as they kept going. His stomach was in knots. What were they going to do? How were they going to flee? As long as he made sure Katrina came with him all would be well. It seemed she'd be useful since she knew the language. He was jostled out of thoughts when he felt her get closer as he gulped and grew slightly red. He felt a push as the soldier led them into a tent to be interrogated. They came off the horse and were led to an open space.

"Sure we will answer." He said. His hands tied with rope and so were hers. He brought his hands up and wiped some of the sweat from his brow. Jasper brought his hands down and his lips turned into a thin line. "As they said. We are from Holland you see, going to visit family. Her parents told me I had to ask her grandpa and ma for her hand. They did not believe we could make the journey, you hear. Since I am just a 'poor boy' in their eyes. It isn't true. I can do just as much as they can and my dedication can prove it." He tried to cross his arms but it was to no avail.

The french officer's eyebrow rose and fell. "Joo think I will believe this?" He spit on the ground near Jasper's feet. "Low rat lies." the officer looked over at Katrina. "Dis is not common. Who are joo spying for?" His nostrils flared as he took them both and tied them to a pillar. "No one makes a fool of me." The officer proceeded to grab Katrina's face between his sausage like fingers and drew himself terribly close to her face. "Mon petit madame, are joo willing to back up this man's claims?" his smile grew wry.

Jasper started fiddling with the ropes that were on his hands as he tried to wiggle the knot free. He didn't want her to be in jeopardy. She was his ticket back home.

"Hey!" he shouted at him to get his attention. The officer dropped his hand from her face and went over to him. "Leave my lady alone, you hear? If you have questions, ask me. She's not involved in the affairs of men." He snarled and leaned as close to the officer as possible and whispered.
"Why would I lie if I have nothing on me, a poor boy." The officer had leaned in. He thought about it, still leaning over. Jasper had finally freed the knot on his wrists and took this opportunity to headbutt the officer with all the force he had.

The officer stepped back and said some expletives in french that he couldn't decipher. Jasper was seeing stars but still used this time to wiggle himself down and out of the ropes. The officer was holding his head and trying to stand back up. He didn't realize that Jasper had found a way to free himself from the ropes. Jasper moved and punched him in the face and kneed him.

The officer started shouting trying to get the other people's attention outside of the tent. He tore off part of his shirt and gagged the officer. He took the rope and tied his hands together. He punched him in the face again. The officer was unconscious now. He heard people start making a commotion and shouting questions outside the tent as he hurried to free Katrina.

"Okay so this wasn't my plan but it's kind of working right?" He gave her a wink and freed her from the ropes. He stripped the officer of his uniform and put it on. He had to roll up the sleeves and pants a little but he made it work. He took the rifle that was leaning against the entrance of the tent and took her hand.

"Do joo trust me?" he asked her as he tried to mimic their accent. He grinned widely not letting her finish speaking as he grabbed her hand tightly and pulled her towards the back of the tent as they snuck out towards the back. They luckily didn't see anyone at first as they darted through the tents.

Another one of the soldiers came across them and looked at him and then at Katrina and asked. "que faites-vous avec le prisonnier ?" his lips grew thin. He only understood the prisoner part.

Jasper just grinned at the other soldier and winked. Pointed to the tent on the far side and placed a finger to his lips. The soldier laughed and gave him a heavy pat on the arm and nodded making his way past. He let out a sigh of relief as he got away from earshot.

On the other side of the camp, one of the soldiers had gone in and saw what had happened. Shouting started going through the camp as they started to look for them.

Jasper heard the commotion and looked at Katrina. "We better run, doll. Looks like they caught on." He looked and ran still holding her hand dragging her towards the outskirts of the camp.  

[outlaw trinidy]

Katrina hated horseback riding. She was always afraid of being tossed off, and the creature made her nervous. She was worried as to what these soldiers wanted with them, she also wondered what happened to her sister. Did she too find herself in a strange journey such as this? When they reached the tent, Katrina had the urge to stay on the horse suddenly. She accepted Jasper's aid though and got off the horse showing a bit of her unease as she almost fell into Jasper's arms. She was about to send her apologies when the soldier prodded them to enter the tent. She sent him a cold look, but followed close to Jasper while they entered the tent.

Looking around, she saw maps and plans. It looked like they really were waging war. Panic swam through her mind when the soldier came over with rope; tying her hands. So there was no hope of being released... she realized with unease; watching the soldier leave them alone with the officer. She listened to Jasper, blushing when she realized he was implying they were due to be married. Though, to be fair he was better than the man her father had planned for her. And Katrina had only met Jasper not even an hour ago. Her drifting thoughts were interrupted when the officer grew angry and lashed out; pulling and tying them both to the pillar in the center of the tent. Katrina grew pale as she tried to not move or make a sound as the man squeezed her face between his sweaty large hands. She could smell his breath and body odor; a foul mix of perfumes and rotting food. She was unable to speak, her mind dizzy while she tried to make sense of the words he asked her. "stop alsjeblieft" She whispered when she heard Jasper talking again and she was released. The words were a mess while her brain slowly was calming down; blood pounding with her legs no longer held her up.

What transpired next had Katrina wide eyed with shock, she just stood there gaping at Jasper while he attacked the officer. Horrified at the violence, and horrified that a part of her felt the action was justified. Even pleased that the officer had been bested. Katrina had no words to say back while she was freed. She instead rubbed at her wrists nervously realizing she was surrounded by violent strangers. Squeaking as she covered her face when Jasper stripped the officer, Katrina peeked between her fingers after a moment to see what Jasper was up to. She was not happy he took the weapon, but one supposed they needed to defend themselves. What a horrid device. She thought to herself before she was taken by the hand asked if she trusted him. "Well, I ..." She started to say when she was pulled towards the back of the tent and they left.

Trying to match his pace; Katrina realized she was very slow compared to Jasper. She was about to speak when a soldier spotted them. It took a moment, and a breath holding second before she realized Jasper was dressed as the enemy. She was not sure she understood what transpired at first then a slow blush crept to her cheeks. Vile. She glared at the soldier, though not mad at Jasper. "Which way should we go?" She asked in a soft whisper when there were shouts from the tent they just left. Oh dear... she thought; getting pulled along to a run once more. "I am not.... good at.... running!" She said already out of breath as she tried her best to follow Jasper. She spotted a horse by one of the tents they were passing. "There!" She said trying to pull Jasper's attention. They would get away faster on horse; especially if they keep the lead they gained thus far. "We should head... to the north east.... lose them... in the town...." She said, trying to catch her breath as they slowed a bit. She did not explain why she knew the town was in that direction; but she had observed the warn wagon trail at the farm and kept track of their direction during the ride to the camp. Hopefully the town should be near enough. Though; she would feel horrible if the soldiers did anything to the townspeople, the fact they were in a camp away from the Germans meant they were still trying to hide their position. Yes?  

[acfaerie]

Jasper let out a slightly annoyed huff as he looked back at her. She was really slowing him down. I guess her shoes could kind of hinder it. His thoughts trailed as the sounds started getting louder and louder.

He looked back at her as she spoke between breaths. Town...? How did she... No time to think... must just get out of here.
"Okay, dollface. Let's get going then." He said offering his hand to her. He helped her hoist up onto the horse.

"Let's just use one horse though, I don't want to run the risk of loosing you. You see, we got to partner up and make sure we get out of this. I still have some questions for you." He then glided himself in front of her.

At this point the soldiers had made it a few hundred feet away. "Sorry, fellas. Hate to dash on you. We will catch up later!" And with that, he clicked his heels into the horse and they were on their way.

Gunshots were heard but were landing on the ground around them. He started to ride harder and faster. He started hearing the gunshots started to get closer and he kept going.

"Dollface, I'm going to switch gears on ya. Don't be alarmed it's just for your protection." without asking her, he kept his left foot on one of the stirrups and lifted his other leg high over her head and jumped back with one swift motion. He pushed her forward and kept hold of the reins. His arms were around her as he was close against her. His breath gliding slightly against the back of her neck. He moved his head to the side so he could see a bit better and pushed the horse to go even further.

The last gunshot was heard. He felt something with force go against his right shoulder as a slight grunt came from his mouth. "Damnit." he gritted his teeth as the pain started to spread like a spiderweb. Almost as if he had timed to move her. He looked at his front and saw no exit wound. His right hand weakened a little as his left hand kept pushing the horse to go faster. The Town started to come into view as the french soldiers were now nowhere to be seen.

There were no more gunshots, they were almost into safety. A few startled townspeople saw them approaching fast and there were some crowds that started to draw themselves towards where they came. The back of his coat at this point was drenched in red no longer the blue the front had shown. They got there as a few officials of the town had been notified at that point and made their way towards them.

They said a few words and had their hands out as if to stop. He halted the horse. He proceeded to lower her down off of the horse. He jumped off and grabbed his shoulder. A few guards had arrived and had pulled Katrina away from him. He reached out for her and they now pointed their swords at him.

He started to get mad and looked at them as they shouted at him. "I don't understand you!" he shouted back now tired of all of this. He just wanted some answers. Some answers in English. He looked down and realized he had been still wearing the french uniform and shook his head. "This is all a misunderstanding!" One of the guards had gotten behind him and had wrestled him down to the floor. They then proceeded to tie his hands up and lead him away to be locked up and possibly questioned. He looked over to see if he could find Katrina in the crowd for help.

He had no idea how he was going to get out of this one and the pain and loss of blood started to make him go light headed.