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 Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 11:52 am
It was a breezy morning in Palisade. Ice slicked the streets, snow packed high around buildings and homes, and the chill in the air threatened to cut to the bone. The presence of the sun hardly seemed to matter; warmth was not something that could be sought.
And yet, the market was bustling with presence. Children wailed and laughed, and mothers kept a wary eye on their offspring, while their husbands attempted to haggle and purchase goods for the home. Shop keeps shouted over the crowds, waving around and boasting their wares. Everyone was present for a reason, and not for the obvious. There was talk of wolves, more than mere rumors and whispers, and despite the threat of danger, the chance for gossip was far too appealing. Besides, people felt safe enough; no one suspected wolves would dare invade the town.
Caroline was among those that shared this opinion. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't a little nervous, but behind the gates and the stone walls, she felt safe, secure. Especially with her guardian, Elowen, at her side. She knew her guide would not allow harm to befall her.
The girl and the doe wandered through the crowds together, silently, but connected. They shared a special, unspoken bond, and even without speaking, they typically knew what the other was thinking or feeling. Caroline recalled the day she was chosen, the day she returned home with a totem. Her mother had been surprised, disappointed even, thinking perhaps her daughter was some sort of freak. But her father, surprisingly, had allowed it. He was a cold, stern man, but unbeknownst, he harbored a belief in the old ways. Ever since, Caroline had been allowed to venture out of the house without a human chaperon, so long as Elowen remained at her side; as the doe always did.
So lost in her thoughts, Caroline hadn't been paying close enough attention to where she was walking. Without warning, she collided with something...or someone. She stumbled back, and after righting herself, peered up at the back of a man's head. Embarrassed, she blushed and looked down quickly. "Ah, pardon me sir. I...had not meant it."
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:29 pm
Thorne had braved the winter roads simply for love of his father. The doctors of Oldcastle had provided few answers to what plagued the ailing man, and his ever-dutiful son would not take that for an excuse. For the past few years he had cared and watched his father, heart breaking as his health slipped further and further away with no apparent reason. As the winter grew more bitter, he grew more sickly... and so the young man had made the decision to trek north from the sleepy Wardwood to the bustling city of Palisade. A trade caravan had been his company and guide, and now that he had made it he only had to seek out a doctor that could perhaps know this strange ailment.
The energy in the plaza was unlike anything Thorne had ever encountered in his lifetime. Typically he would have avoided such crowds, but the sheer need for him to find help for his father had him casting that aside for the time-being. Carts and stalls were loaded with goods from all over Sunderland. Here and there as he passed through the market he heard whispers of the wolves' return. What tales! Certainly if they were back he would have seen them by now. He spent enough time in the Wardwood to know its curves and bends, and nothing unusual had caught his eye except for the brutal snowfall.
Thorne's stride stopped suddenly where he stood, eyes glancing around for some sign that may be a doctor's home or place of work. He would probably be better off simply asking for directions... no. He could find it on his own!
His thoughts were interrupted suddenly as something collided against his back. He stumbled forward but caught himself, turning quickly and expecting some young pickpocket to be trying to catch him off guard. It was not, however, and the person's dainty, flowing clothing gave away that she must have belonged to nobility. His hard expression softened in surprise as he looked down at the young woman (a pretty young woman to boot, his worst fear!), and her... deer?
"Ahh, uhh, quite alright," he stammered awkwardly after a moment, averting his gaze. He had never seen such a beautiful animal (or lovely lady, for that matter) in all his time in the forest. The doe's silky coat gave light that this was not some common wild deer. Realizing he was staring at the animal again, he swallowed and steeled himself to politely look back to the young woman. "It's nothing, really, I should not have stopped so quickly in the middle of the way." He tried his best at a shy smile, awkwardly shifting on the spot. What a fool he must have sounded!
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Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2013 2:04 pm
Elowen cast a sharp glance at Caroline as the woman suddenly stumbled into the back of a young man, her head titled slightly to the side curiously. Caroline wasn't really the clumsy type, but the streets were packed, and the roads slick; the accident was understandable. As the young man turned, Elowen met his gaze head on, calculating in the way she evaluated his body language and possible intentions. Clearly, the young doe was incredibly protective of her chosen, but would only insert herself if she felt Caroline was at risk.
Caroline took a step back as the man turned, steeling herself for his anger. Most men wouldn't have appreciated the accidental assault, and she was ready for a bit of a scene. However, no such cruelty occurred; instead, the man apologized himself, his tongue tripping over his words. He seemed to have a hard time meeting Caroline's gaze, and the young lady blushed softly, glancing away as well. After an awkward moment of silence, where Caroline was unsure if she should excuse herself or engage in conversation, she finally looked up at the young man.
"Forgive me...I do not believe I have ever seen you before. If I may ask...What brings you to town today?" The only thing she could think of to say, to keep the man's attention. There something soft and vulnerable about him; something that intrigued her. Perhaps it was because he was the complete opposite of the young rich bachelors she had always interacted with.
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Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 8:51 am
Thorne mentally cursed himself for his awkward nature. It was reasons like this that he tended to stay out of town... although that certainly didn't help him as a people-person by an stretch of the imagination. She seemed genuinely apologetic for the bump, although he was not used to noble culture and wasn't sure how he should have reacted. It really was no trouble! Her question caught his attention, however, and his gaze wandered back to her.
"Oh, me?" Curses, he sounded like an idiot. "I'm merely looking for some kind of doctor, I guess. I've traveled from Oldcastle seeking some sort of help." A long trip it had been, as well. The snow assaulting Sunderland had been particularly bad this year, and with rumors flying here and there about wolves returning (wolves, of all things!), it had been difficult to find a caravan that was actually willing to make the trek all the way out. He wasn't sure if the young lady really cared, but she seemed like she was from the area. Although he hated to break face and ask for help, he certainly could use a bit finding an adequate doctor.
"My uhh, my father is very ill." he offered, voice quiet, "He has been for some time now. None of the damned doctors where we live can figure it out. I took a leap of faith in hopes that someone here may know better. So far, though..." he paused and glanced around the busy market, and his expression turned wistful. "I've only managed to get myself lost. The stories about Palisade do not do it justice."
Where were his manners? He barely talked to people back home, and always seemed to forget the proper way to go about things.
"Oh, I apologize, my name." His face flushed in embarrassment, although he hoped the sting of the cold would conceal it. "I am Thorne, Thorne Grey. Hunter and tracker by trade. It is, uhh," he struggled for the right phrasing. "It is a pleasure."
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Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 6:22 pm
Caroline listened to the man's troubles intently, her gaze sympathetic. She was a little disappointed to hear he resided in Oldcastle, but knowing she would probably never see the man again also came as a relief; she was engaged, albeit against her will, but the simple acknowledgement of his handsome features made her feel uncomfortably unfaithful. If this was to be there one encounter with one another, then there was little chance she would be met with temptation. With that burden lifted, she felt more confident around the man.
Before she could remark on his sick father or his valiant quest, the man paused to introduce himself. Thorne Grey; it had a nice ring to it. It suited him. The hunter and track bit both intrigued and startled her. On one hand, she assumed he must have lived an exciting, exhilarating life. On the other, she couldn't imagine wielding any sort of weapon, let alone killing anything. But she was a lady; such unease was expected.
She offered Thorne a soft smile, dipped her head briefly. "Caroline Atwood. It is a pleasure, Mr. Grey."
Raising her eyes to meet his, her smiled faltered. "I am sorry to hear about your father. If you would like, I would be more than happy to show you around. Perhaps you will find a doctor along the way." It wasn't the "proper" thing of her, offering to act as an afternoon tour guide for someone of lower class. However, her parents didn't need to know, and she couldn't imagine anyone else in her social circle witnessing the act. Besides, Caroline was far too kind to hear such a tale and simply walk away.
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Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 9:45 am
Caroline- a lovely name for a lovely lady; Thorne was suddenly quite glad that perhaps this was a one-time meeting. At least if he made himself look like an idiot he wouldn't have to face her again. She was kind, however, and her offer took him off guard.
"I, uhh.. of course." he replied, fumbling briefly with his words, "Given enough time I'd certainly get myself lost in this city." His eyes flickered past her to the throng of people bustling from stall to stall, buying and perusing gifts and food. Oldcastle was much quieter, and he could certainly say that he preferred it that way. Busy crowds made him uncomfortable. All the social graces and this and that you had to remember to do... not his cup of tea.
"Any sort of doctor or apothecary would work," he said after a short moment of scanning the crowd, hopelessly looking for some sort of clue, "The hedge witches that reside back home are... well." He cut himself short, but the scowl that briefly crossed his face told enough. Thorne was tired of their back tracking and circling with the medicines and remedies they gave him; none of them worked, and the witches themselves were less than helpful. Certainly someone with a fresh perspective would have better information for him here.
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Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 11:23 am
Caroline smiled shyly, almost unable to believe her own bold offer, and that he had actually accepted. There was just something so...appealing about the man; she knew she couldn't let him walk away without getting to know him first. Normally, Caroline was not so forward, but she knew she had to take this chance.
"Excellent. I-" She was cut off suddenly, when Elowen nudged Caroline's elbow with her head. Caroline laughed softly, placing a hand on Elowen's neck. "Forgive me. Mr. Grey, this is my guardian, Elowen. She is displeased I had forgotten to introduce her earlier." Clearly satisfied, Elowen raised her head, almost smugly, and stared Thorne down. The gesture was clearly meant as a bit of warning, that no harm would come to Caroline from this strange man while Elowen was around.
With introductions aside, it was time to get moving. Standing in one place for two long had sent a shiver down Caroline's spine, her limbs numbing. That, and people were beginning to nudge around them, clearly annoyed that two individuals and a deer were stopped in the middle of the road. "Shall we?" Although she didn't know the layout of the town as well as some of the lower class, she had a decent idea of where the city's physician was. And since a doctor was what Thorne sought, she would take him directly there.
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Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 8:00 pm
Thorne knew his face likely looked surprised at her words; although he knew it to be no simple deer, had she said... guardian? The beasts from the stories of old, and here was one who had chosen this young lady to be her champion. He realized now why she had seemed more intelligent than a forest animal, and the look that she gave him confirmed that. Her watching eyes did not faze him, but he made careful note to not get on her bad side.
"Elowen," he replied, nodding to the doe in greeting. Thorne assumed from the young woman's actions that the deer knew what he was saying, even if she did not speak vocally. He certainly felt ridiculous talking to an animal, but the bright look in her eyes spoke more than some wild beast.
Falling into step alongside the young woman, Thorne shouldered past a handful of people that were in his way before the way cleared enough to walk normally. In Oldcastle he wouldn't have to worry about the body to body throngs, but he supposed a nice, bright day like this would be occasion for many to get out of their homes. He, too, was certainly sick of trudging from snare to snare in the woods in snow up to his knees.
"It's uhh, a terrible winter this year," he remarked absently, fiddling with a stray strand of his hair. A nervous habit of his. "I haven't seen cold and snow like this in years." People talked about the weather, right? Thorne was so out of the loop on proper conversation, let alone meeting new people. Considering how bizarre the winter had been, it seemed like a decent ice breaker at least. Probably. Hopefully. If not, at least he could crawl back home and forget he had made a fool of himself again. Humans were not his strong point by a far stretch.
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Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 1:01 pm
Caroline nodded as they strolled, melting into the throng of bodies on the street. The weather had been unusually severe this winter, and while some waved it off, there was much speculation. Talk of wolves, people disappearing from the borders, an increase in guardians, and the weather....Little believed that they weren't all connected in some way. Caroline had resisted the urge to gossip thus far, but the young man had, inadvertently, brought it up. She felt that he might have some insight, an opinion or fact to contribute. Or even a mere interest; regardless, she felt she could trust him.
"They speak of wolves...." She spoke softly, hesitantly. She didn't want anyone else to overhear and contribute. "And their return. Surely you have heard. They say they brought the cold."
Now that she had confided, she felt silly. He seemed like a sensible man, nonsense. He was on a mission to save his father; such gossip couldn't interest him. So her onslaught of insecurities told her. She was always doubting herself in conversation, and social environments, especially with new people. One of the reasons she didn't contribute much; merely smiled and nodded. But she couldn't take the words back; they were out there, floating around, awaiting a response. She bit down softly on her bottom lip, cheeks flushed.
"Umm b-but it is just rumor. People disappearing, that young woman slain...People require an explanation." She said dismissively. God she sounded like such a gossiper.
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Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 5:46 pm
Thorne nodded quietly at first to her words, and although a bit daft in the ways of social circles could tell what she had said had made her uncomfortable. He had certainly heard the talk of wolves, and having seen the eerie way the stones in the forest glowed when it was dark... perhaps he believed it. Feeling like he should ease the young woman's discomfort, he nodded a little more forcefully.
"No, no, the same rumors fly in Oldcastle," he replied, voice quiet as to not attract any attention, "I travel the Wardwood to hunt, and I have seen the wolf-stones there.... glowing." He hesitated, lest he frighten her unnecessarily. Certainly if she had come through the forest to collect her totem she must have seen one of the giant wolf heads along her way. The subtle changes in the feel of the forest had not gone unnoticed by Thorne.
"Whatever may be happening, I'm, ahh... I'm sure the Queen has taken measures to investigate these stories. I do not think we will be blindsided should something... drastic happen." His voice sounded confident, but the thought of having to outrun horse-sized wolves nagged the back of his mind. He certainly hoped that something was being done that would address the strange events all winter long...
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 5:49 pm
Caroline nodded seriously, her insecurities quelled. He was right; the Queen was just and wise. Surely if something sinister lurked on the horizon, it would quickly be taken care of. People only gossiped because it was exciting and mysterious, but there was no real threat. Especially with the guardians on their sides. "Of course." She responded, eyes forward.
Slowly, they rounded the corner, and came face to face with the physician's office. It was small, and a little worse for wear, but it said nothing about the man's capabilities. Medicine, especially in Palisade, went for astronomical rates, and most below middle class were unable to afford it. Perhaps out of the goodness of his heart, or out some unforeseen sense of obligation, the physician Caroline had taken Thorne to worked for less than average, and Caroline was confident that Thorne would be able to find the help he needed for a reasonable price.
She told Thorne as much as they arrived, and then stepped through the front door into the building. A few patients milled about inside, but considering the weather and the crowds outside, it was relatively empty inside. It was dank inside, and Caroline shivered, pulling the shawl over her coat closer around her neck. A middle aged man, looking tired but smiling nonetheless, stepped forward. "Good afternoon. How might I help you?"
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Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 8:17 pm
Thorne's eyes roved the building before entering, turning what Caroline had said over in his head. Beneath his cloak he could feel a small pouch of coins; hopefully enough to bring some sort of solution home. The physician stepped forward and Thorne met his gaze respectfully, standing just ahead of the young woman so he could address him properly.
"Yes, hello," he spoke, voice sounding much more weary than his expression had let on outside, "I've come up from Oldcastle to seek some sort of poultice or the like for a list of these symptoms." From a pouch at his side he pulled a scrap of what appeared to be well-worn parchment, the ink scripted across in a fine hand. It was not the first time he had shared it for reference, it would seem. "Even something to ease the fever and pain would be most helpful." The physician cast him a quick glance, and as he asked for a bit of clarification Thorne explained the details of his father's illness and the treatments that had failed. The older man's brow furrowed, clearly in thought.
"I can mix some herbs that may grant some relief," he spoke after a moment. He began thumbing through a battered book on the counter next to him. "It does not sound like any sort of common illness I have ever seen." Thorne's face almost fell, but he caught himself in time to put a steeled expression in its place. The same words he had heard from each other witch or apothecary he had spoken to in the last two years.
"Will this be enough?" Thorne hesitated a moment before passing the pouch from beneath his cloak to the man. The doctor paused with it in his hand, his eyes flickering briefly to the hunter's pained face before nodding silently. He breathed a barely-audible sign of relief and muttered his thanks.
"It'll be just a moment," the physician said, gathering his worn book and carefully taking a handful of bottles from beneath his counter. He disappeared into the back, leaving Thorne and Caroline in the waiting area.
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Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2013 1:01 pm
Caroline stood back, Elowen at her side, while the men conversed. She tried not to stare, but curiosity getting the better of her, she stole frequent glances, listening intently to the conversation. Caroline rested a gloved hand lightly on Elowen's neck, occasionally stroking and the soft, short fur absentmindedly. She frowned gently at the mention of the symptoms, but the longer the conversation went, the deeper her frown became. His poor father...Caroline tried to remain positive, but the way things were sounding...His father would not survive the winter. And if he did, it would require a miracle. Or more money.
Unfortunately, Caroline could not provide either, despite her wealth. Or rather, her father's wealth. Her fiance's wealth. Without either, she was nothing; a fact her fiance adored mentioning, whenever he could. She could attempt asking, but her fiance would simply laugh in her face, and her father would ask why she had been in the presence of a strange, poor man to begin with, let alone guiding him around town, without a proper escort.
But now she was dwelling. Shaking her head subtly, she cleared her thoughts and smoothed her expression, just in time to witness the exchange of money, and watch the doctor pass into the back room. It seemed Thorne had enough to appease the doctor after all, and if not a cure, at least something to ease his father's pain would be given. She supposed it was all they could realistically hope for. Perhaps a miracle would strike, and Thorne's father would hold out til spring, when the warmer weather would aid his health further.
"It seems your travels and troubles will not be waster after all, Mr. Grey." She chirped softly, smiling. "Do you think the herbs will be enough to help?"
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Posted: Sun Oct 13, 2013 1:52 pm
Caroline's voice had stirred Thorne from his thoughts. He turned to her, a tired smile on his face. "Even if all they do is to ease his pain, it will be worth the trip here." he replied. He paused a beat. "I am no fool. Eventually there will be nothing else I can do for him. If I can minimize any suffering he may endure then I will do whatever I can for him."
There was a tinge of bitterness in his voice at the end, a gruffness of someone who hadn't come to terms with the words they were saying. Thorne was not anywhere prepared to let his father go, not when he was all he had left. With no siblings to protect and raise and no other family he knew of he had clung to his father as his health had gone steadily downhill, denying what he knew to be true. At some point he would be gone. The thought of being utterly alone terrified him more than any crowd of people or the threat of wolves ever could, no matter how introverted he appeared.
A moment passed and the apothecary appeared again with a small package. He handed it to the hunter and Thorne murmured an earnest thanks, clasping the man's hand briefly to shake before he returned to assisting other customers.
Thorne inspected the parcel briefly, noticing a faintly sweet, earthy aroma seemed to come from inside. The note scribbled on the outside instructed to steep as an herbal tea and to crush with water and apply to the forehead. Standard procedure for herb poultices. He tucked it close under his arm and turned his full attention back to Caroline. A small smile, of relief perhaps, crossed his face.
"It seems I was quite lucky to stumble into your path today, Miss Atwood," he murmured, moving towards the door to hold it open for her, "I... it was a pleasure. Without you I'd certainly still be stumbling around on the street." He thanked the cold for stinging his cheeks, hiding the faintest of color.
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Posted: Sun Oct 13, 2013 2:54 pm
Caroline's smile quickly fell, expression somber as he mentioned the inevitable passing of his father. It seemed Thorne's father was worse off than she had imagined, and Thorne, though he knew death was imminent, was determined to prolong it, and to ease his father's pain in the process. Her heart went out to him, fluttering painfully; he was so kind, so strong. She had never lost a loved one, and could only imagine the pain.
But she didn't get a chance to respond, or to attempt consoling, as the doctor returned, and handed Thorne a small bag of herbs. The two conversed in whispers for a short moment, and then they turned away from one another, the doctor approaching a new client, while Thorne opened the bag to inspect it's contents. Caroline stood by patiently, unsure of what to say, if anything. But it seemed she wouldn't need to, as finally, Thorne glanced up, relief smoothing the sadness in his eyes.
Returning the smile, she followed Thorne to the door, and stepped through the doorway as he pulled the door open, and held it for her. She blushed softly at the compliment, and bowed her head shyly. "I am so glad to have helped. I wish you and your father the best." She glanced up just in time to catch his eye, and offered a parting smile. "Good day, Mr. Grey." With that, she and Elowen turned to depart. She could only hope their farewell would not be their last.
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