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 Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 2:26 pm
His first statement confused her; what exactly did he mean by it? But before she could inquire, the dance ended, the music lulling to a pause, before it was struck again, marking the beginning of a new dance. They fell into the steps of the more lively dance, and her thoughts were lost to her.
She smiled at the change in subject, her expression bright. "They should consider you more for it! You have done more for the Wood, I am sure, than I. I had never ventured in before my choosing!" But was a choosing about who deserved one? She wasn't sure it worked like that. Maybe those in need of something more were chosen....But no, that didn't settle right either. And she didn't believe she had any sort of special edge or power that Thorne did not posses...So the reasoning was beyond her.
She frowned slightly at his mention of being lonely, and a p***k of sadness struck her heart. His eyes filled with that same sadness, and she longed to comfort him, but resisted; it would have been highly inappropriate of her. But she couldn't chase the thought away...And suddenly, she found herself wishing for another life. She wished she could shed her heavy, constricting gowns for something that would better suit a life with Thorne. Wished she could keep him company on long nights, wished she could be there, waiting for him, when he returned from a hunt....
Caroline mentally shook her head. No. She mustn't allow such thoughts. She was promised to another...As much as she disliked the man. There was little she could do about the matter. And besides, who's to say Thorne would even want to come home to her? She was glad for the change in subject.
Caroline laughed, a burst of light returning to her eyes. "The circus?!" She asked incredulously, and laughed again, softer this time. "Surprisingly...I think I could imagine! You could juggle knives, or something of that sort." She teased.
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Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 4:33 pm
Thorne grinned, a rare, comfortable side that so few had been able to pry from him. "This was before my father fell ill, you see," he started, "A troupe passed by town and I so desperately had wanted to care for the animals. Something different than tracking them every day... they had such exotic beasts in tow, I've yet to see anything else like it." He let the beat of the music carry him for a moment. "It wasn't long until I had realized they were probably not a good fit for quiet, shy me. Lots of drinking, gambling, partying... at least this particular caravan."
He paused a moment, pondering his next move. Caroline had not yet seen the dark umber trails of ink up his arm; with the winter and the cold he traveled mostly in long sleeves and a coat. The reaction it had provoked from his father years ago was less-than ideal, but perhaps the whole setting of the evening had him feeling much more bold than he normally would have been. With a gentle movement of his shoulder his sleeve slid away from his wrist a few inches, revealing the start of the tattoo that snaked its way around and up to his shoulder.
"Not my finest moment, although I'd dare to guess I may have had too much to drink that day," he muttered, amused, "They're very hospitable, despite what I say... although coming home to calm and order is much preferable to me." He laughed, and shook his head. "That whole ordeal was enough for me. Certainly not something I would catch myself doing again."
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Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 6:25 pm
She listened to his tale intently, obviously hanging on his every word; eyes wide, lips every so slightly parted. She never would have guessed it from him; he was far too reserved, to much like herself to have led her to believe he might find an interest in the circus life. But then...maybe she could believe it. She often wished she could enjoy the freedoms life offered, that she might be more outspoken and bold. So it wasn't so hard to think he might yearn for the same, and had once been close to realizing this dream. Alas, it seemed his true colors had gotten the best of him, and he never did join that circus. She would have been sorry, but then she never would have met Thorne, if he had not refused the life.
He rolled his shoulder, an odd movement, and her eyes were drawn down to his wrist. He had intentionally raised his sleeve a touch, revealing to her dark designs inked into his flesh. She gasped, and stopped mid dance, despite their position on the dance floor. "Oh my!" Tentatively, she reached down to pinch his sleeve between two fingers, and delicately raised it up his arm another inch, to see if it continued. By the looks of it, the designs no doubt trailed up the entire length of his arm. She wasn't sure what to say; she had never seen anything like it before. She released his sleeve, and glanced back up at him. "What...is it?"
Before he might answer, however, Elowen was at her elbow, and nudged her side. Unfazed by Elowen's sudden appearance, Elowen glanced over her shoulder at Elowen and smiled, nodding once, and then looked back at Thorne. "Elowen has tired of watching us dance - she grows uneasy when she can not be beside me. Shall we head to the grass for a seat? You can tell me there more about your...arm." She suggested, gesturing toward the spots of lush grass that some guests had already decided to rest upon.
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Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 7:05 pm
Thorne hadn't realized how he had tensed his body, but at her reaction he let out a soft breath and relaxed. Surprise had filled her face, but not the scowling disgust he had almost half-expected. Her suggestion to settle down where the deer could sit close was welcome, and acting on the first thing to pop into his head he offered her his arm. Carefully weaving past the others still twirling across the floor he spotted a lovely looking patch of grass not too far from the rest of the festivities, but also out of eavesdropping range of other guests. His eyes flickered briefly to a group of women slinging fruit at one of the other ball patrons, deciding it was best to chat quietly without drawing attention their way.
"Now," he started, allowing her to seat herself before he settled alongside her, "You wanted to know more about this." He tugged his sleeve upwards past the elbow, muscles flexing faintly under his skin. He turned the limb for her to get a better look. More often than not the reaction to the ink was disdain or disgust... to have her intrigued instead was a welcome change. Of course she was not used to such things; as it were tattoos were still taboo even across the middle and lower classes. Mostly gypsies or strange performers dabbled in them, not everyday folk.
"The day I was leaving the troupe, they insisted I get something to... remember them by." he said with a soft snort of laughter. "Since I was already... well, there really is no nice way to put this." Absently he fiddled with a strand of hair. "I was quite inebriated by that point, and they swore the tattoo would not be that bad." He shook his head. "I am lucky that I do not need to go into town often. Not many have had the... opportunity to see it." He shifted ever so slightly in his spot, hoping that sharing his 'secret' would not have her think less of him.
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Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 5:03 pm
Caroline took his offered arm with a smile, and together, they edged a path through the throng of deliriously dancing bodies, trying their best to avoid the pelting of grapes along the way. Thorne led them to an area of grass close enough to the merriment, but off to the side, hopefully so as to avoid some of the more rambunctious activities. Lifting her skirts slightly, Caroline sat and folded her legs gracefully, hands resting in her lap daintily, one on top of the other. Elowen remained standing for a moment, seemingly unsure of what she wanted to do, and then settled down beside Caroline, keeping an eye on the crowds. Caroline kept her gaze on Throne, watching patiently as he made himself comfortable beside her, but not close enough to touch.
She leaned forward for a better look as he rolled his sleeve up, confirming her suspicions that the markings extended the length of his arm; or at the very least, to his elbow. She could not look away, even as he spoke; she listened, but her gaze trailed the designs, her fingers clutching at the fabric of her dress. Not because she was frightened or angry, but because she was trying ti fight the urge to reach out and touch the strange markings.
Such art would have been frowned upon in the strict, proper world of upper society. But was it the same for his world? She could only assume, as he did not seem proud of his decision. But she thought it suited him; it added to his intrigue, gave him a story to tell, and offered him a sort of...edge. He truly was fascinating; everything about him. Residing in Old Castle, tracking and hunting...he looked, and at first glance, seemed, so rugged, so rough. It should have been assumed that he was more the type to toss a woman around, instead of the polished, suited devils. Rather, he was soft and kind, treating her far better than she could have expected from a man.
"I like it." She said simply, her smile speaking more volume than her words. "But...you do not? Are such things looked down upon, where you live?"
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Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 5:44 pm
A wave of relief washed over Thorne at Caroline's approval; and for a moment he simply forgot about the other patrons of the ball. A shy smile crossed his face and his gaze dropped to the ground momentarily. He had not expected her to find it so interesting, and that was a welcome thing.
"I do like it," he replied, his eyes flickering upwards to her face again, "Although... not many others do. It is still looked at with disdain even out here, and seen as something reserved for gypsies and strange performers such as those who travel among a circus caravan." A frown momentarily made its way across his lips. "When I returned home from my adventure, my... my father was so very disappointed. He was upset that I had left, and was very displeased with the inking. He would not meet my eyes for weeks after I had returned, and not long after that he... well, that was about the time when he fell ill."
Thorne had never spoken with him on the matter since that time, but he simply hoped his father had forgiven him. Day in and day out he cared for him without complaint; his father was not a bad man, merely conservative. Over time he, too, had adopted that mindset to call his own.
"I am lucky, however, that I spend most days in the forest... and the trees do not judge." He flashed a grin. "One of these days perhaps, should you feel the want for adventure, you could... well, it certainly would be most un-ladylike." A nervous laugh escaped his throat. "Should you ever find yourself bored in Palisade, you are welcome to visit and I will take you into the forest. I-if you wanted to, of course! I am sure that having to be perfect for everyone all of the time could get tiresome, although I honestly do not know."
His fingers twirled a piece of his hair again. Thorne had not even begun to drink and yet felt confident for the first time in a long while. Perhaps it was the masks and anonymity of the guests around them, or maybe just the odd sense of peace that had settled over him since the stranger events of the evening had begun... he could not be certain. He was certain, however, that he did not like the pang he felt in the pit of his chest when he imagined her trapped in Palisade with a man that he did not, or even care to know. She deserved so much better than that.
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Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 5:26 pm
Caroline smiled, and parted her lips to respond...but would never get the chance to speak further on the matter. In that instance, a woman gasped, the sound almost a scream, and all at once, everything stopped. Sound ceased to exist, and like it had been planned, all movement froze. It was if time had stopped all together, and Caroline glanced up, only to inhale sharply, a chilling shriek bubbling up her throat. But, eyes wide and mouth agape, she froze as well, gaze settled on a monstrous sight.
Some...thing, for she knew no words for it, crouched over the lifeless body of a soldier, while numerous others littered the ground around the courtyard. Had they met their fate at the hand of the monster? Surely, but how had he slaughtered so many without anyone knowing? The shimmer of magic was gone from the air, and while the return to normality should have been comforting, it made her sick. Her stomach churned, and she thought she might feint, but something kept her conscious, if only barely.
The events that followed occurred at an alarming rate. The frightening being stood and spoke, addressing those present in an oddly familiar manner. However, his speech didn't last long, before he was shot clean through, and retreated, moss sprouting where his blood pooled. Mobility returned then, and Caroline sagged. She would have collapsed against the ground, were it not for Elowen, who was quick to move behind her chosen and break the short fall. Elowen was clearly anxious, and wanted nothing more than to leave with her chosen in tow; she nudged Caroline, seemingly bringing the woman back to her senses.
Caroline struggled to straighten as the Queen moved forward, plunging a shovel into the ground, before offering a blade to Llyr, who uses it to slit his wrist. The sight of the man's blood nearly drove Caroline further to an unconscious state, but she prevailed to watch a small, familiar looking tree, sprout from the ground. Apparently, that tree was to protect Oldcastle from the wolves, and suddenly, Caroline wasn't so sure she wanted to leave anymore.
The war to come. A promise. The wolves would return, and more blood would be shed. Surely, men would be drafted, and nothing would be safe.
No one moved as the Queen spoke, but as she finished, movement and sound returned to the courtyard. Some guests gathered to discuss the details, while others scrambled toward the exit. It was chaos, and Caroline glanced over at Thorne, her terrified expression speaking louder than any words.
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Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 5:50 pm
Thorne had hardly realized what was happening until it was too late; his limbs felt oddly heavy and he couldn't quite focus on whatever he had been doing. His eyes followed the trail of corpses until they rested on the spindly, almost grotesque creature that had seemingly materialized from nowhere. He tried to move, but his muscles screamed in protest and his head spun the harder he tried.
By the time the shot was fired and the spirit staggered away, his head began to clear. Thorne pulled himself to his feet, unsettled. He would not admit to the twang of fear that had settled in his stomach. The wolves were hand in hand with the spirits from the legends of old; and if the stories his father had told him when he was young were any indication, one force was bad enough on its own. His eyes drifted to the sapling as it sprouted, mesmerized by the soft glow.
His head finally cleared fully, and his attention snapped to Caroline beside him. The look on her face told him everything, and although he could not sense Elowen's emotions the doe's behavior spoke clearly that she wanted out of the ruins.
"Caroline," he spoke, voice quiet. He reached carefully and touched his fingers gently to her arm. Stay calm. He knew he likely over-stepped his boundaries, but the jarring events that had just occurred were filling his thoughts. He never had been known for his social graces. "A-are you alright?" The words barely came to him, and he fumbled for anything at all to say. What did you even say in a situation like this? His hands ached for his crossbow, a hunting knife, anything.
"I don't even know where to go," he muttered. He ran his hand nervously through his hair, and tugged his mask off of his face as he did so. Hold it together. Thorne sensed the fear in the air. He would not add to it; if he broke he was certain the young woman beside him would as well.
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Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 4:14 pm
Caroline flinched as Throne reached out to gingerly touch her arm, her gaze having wandered with her thoughts. She looked back up at him, and he looked as anxious as she felt, though he seemed to be struggling with something internally. But she didn't have to ask; he voiced his thoughts. Where to go, what to do. The courtyard was emptying out, but some guests still lingered, seeming as unsure of things as Thorne and Caroline were. Caroline was afraid to even breath, but she didn't really want to stick around and wait for anything to return. On the flip side, what if it was waiting for them outside, ready to snatch and carry away anyone vulnerable enough to wander too far?
She nodded slowly, wrapping her arms around her petite frame. She trembled, and tried to resist glancing around the room. Every shadow seemed threatening, every subtle movement an attempt on her life. And to think she had wanted to experience some sort of adventure, something exciting. This hadn't been what she was expecting; it was too much for the sheltered woman. She caught Thorn'e gaze, and held it, desperate to lose herself in those stormy orbs. His eyes were warm and alive; a stark contrast to the eyes of the dead around them.
She wanted to say she was fine...but was she? Physically, she was unharmed, but she felt sick, her stomach churning. She felt light headed, and she was frightened...scared beyond her wits. She had made up her mind; she wanted to leave, if only yo escape the sight of blood. She lifted her arm and extended it toward him, her hand ready for his to take and help her to her feet. "Anywhere. Back to my room. I just want to leave."
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Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:29 pm
It pained Thorne to see the fear on her face. No one could have seen this coming. The unsettled feeling that the dead strewn across the courtyard could have been him- could have been her... it sat uncomfortably his chest and threatened to eat him alive. Thankfully at that moment Caroline appeared to have made up her mind. He didn't blame her for wanting to leave, although he was certain she was equally distressed on the prospect of heading out into the darkness. He took her hand without hesitation and helped her to her feet.
"Let me walk you back," he murmured quietly, shuffling, "Even with Elowen you should not have to go alone." He stood close, his eyes shifting from hers after a moment too long and peering out the front gates the best he could see. Nothing but the dark. He was no stranger to it. His eyes swept the room again and paused over the corpses and pools of congealing blood. The fear left him, replaced by resolve that whatever creature, whatever war was coming towards them... he would not be so easy to lull into a trap again.
He hesitated a moment, his thoughts finding a foothold in his head. What was even considered 'walking' a lady home? Thorne had not taken the opportunity to figure it out before, and until this moment had not needed to go. Were you supposed to just walk alongside like a stroll down the street? But yet... his eyes flickered back, gazing down at her. In the dim light he could barely catch the soft tremble of her body. What was he even supposed to do?
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Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 7:40 pm
Caroline nodded, thankful; she had hoped he would offer to escort her back. Although she felt safe enough with Elowen at her side, as she knew the doe would never allow any harm befall her, it felt even better to have Thorne with her as well. Surely he was carrying some sort of weapon, and she knew he knew how to wield one comfortably. If they were to encounter a scuffle on the way back, she was confident Elowen and Thorne would keep her safe. Still...the darkness that loomed ahead sent chills down her spine.
Thorne helped her to her feet, and at a different time, his lingering gaze would have made her blush. But there was nothing comfortable about this moment, and her heart didn't even have time to flutter. He seemed uncertain about something, and since he hadn't started walking yet, she could only assume it was on how to properly escort her. She almost smiled; he always seemed so concerned on doing things the right way around her. Or rather, the way her society dictated.
He certainly didn't need to, but it was still sweet. And if it made him feel better, then she would play along. Still, it was clear he needed a little help. Moving to his side, she took his arm, and for once, took the lead, sure that he would take control once they started moving. She turned to glance at Elowen, who was already on her feet, and Elowen came to stand at Caroline's other side. With everything in place, Caroline stepped forward, moving the small group toward the exit.
They walked briskly, and with purpose. Caroline deliberately stared straight ahead, refusing to draw her attention toward the dead bodies. She couldn't stomach another glance. The comforts of her room called, and she only hoped the confines wouldn't feel like a prison. She had already made up her mind that she would have her maid keep a candle burning all night, to chase the shadows away.
They crossed the courtyard in silence, and as they exited, Caroline finally spoke, her curiosity burning. "What do you think is going to happen now?" She asked softly.
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Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 9:05 pm
Thorne allowed himself to be steered out of the courtyard and onto the road back towards Oldcastle without protest. Although it was dark, here and there along the way was a dim lantern left to guide guests to the ball in the earlier hours. They burned low, but it was just enough to see where the road led. Once they got going he took the lead, guiding them back to town. He could hear the quiet rhythm of Elowen's hooves padding the road on the other side of Caroline.
"Now?" his eyes flickered to her face for a moment, but it was difficult to read her expression in the darkness. "It's hard to say. I would imagine the Queen is going to begin urging able-bodied men to enlist and train to fight. The wardens who did not attend this evening will likely be contacted as well to be invited to train on these grounds."
His brow furrowed in thought. "If what's coming is anything like the stories of old, we... we are in for quite a war." And who knew how long they had? The Queen's spirit partner had seemed confident that Gwyn would need time to recover from his glamor, as well as the wound he had sustained... but how long was enough? Could they ever truly be ready for all-out war?
Thorne was quiet for a moment more. Where would the battle start? Here, on the skirts of the Wardwood? In the northern reaches of Sunderland? It could be anywhere... everywhere. Even Palisade might not be safe.
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Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 4:09 pm
As she had suspected. Maybe she hadn't wanted to believe it at first, but the arrival of that spirit only alluded to one thing; war. Bloodshed, death, and misery were in their imminent future. No doubt, Caroline would lose someone she knew. Guardians and their chosen would fall, and at this time, it was impossible to know which side would claim victory. She thought back to the discussion she had had with Thorne earlier that evening, when she told him about the choosing, and how she wished he would one day experience it. She took it back. She didn't want him to be chosen, didn't want him to posses a guardian. Alone, he might be able to avoid being drafted into the war, but as a warden? They would surely be drafting every male chosen, and she couldn't stomach the thought of him among their ranks.
She worried for the man she had come to befriend more than she worried for herself. She was a woman of noble birth; she would not be found on the battlefield, and her family had powerful ties and allies. She would be kept safe, through any means or length. And she had Elowen. Above all, Elowen would keep her safe. But as a man, Thorne would be exposed. Vulnerable. Her grip tightened on his arm, and she was, at the very least, thankful for his weapon expertise. As a hunter, surely he would know how to handle himself. She merely hoped he wouldn't have to.
She nodded, but didn't speak again. She could hardly gather her thoughts to form a coherent sentence anyway. She needed to unlace and lie down, but although she was exhausted, she doubted she would be sleeping much. Still, it would be nice to bolt the door on this day and perhaps take a nice, long soak.
After some time of walking, they came upon the inn and Caroline came to a halt. She released Thorne's arm and turned to face him, her smile strained. Realizing she still wore her mask, she reached up to remove it, holding it delicately in her hands. "Thank you...for escorting me safely." She paused, hesitating. "Be careful...on your way home. And we will see each other again soon." That was a promise, even if she had to travel back to Old Castle herself.
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Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 8:59 pm
As they had approached town Thorne was almost glad for the placid silence between them. There was much too much to think about, and no good way to word how he was feeling. Could he skirt around the majority of whatever fighting to come? On his own, perhaps, but not at home with his ailing father. Eventually someone would come for him. His brow furrowed.
The lamps at the inn's door brought a warm, welcome light across the street. Thorne lamented as she untangled his arm from his; her touch had been warm and quite real to him despite the events that had occurred that evening. He said nothing, however. It was quite late at this point, and he still had to trek back out home in the darkness. Movement brought his attention back to the present as Caroline finally removed her mask, and his expression softened. He did hope that she would be alright getting back to Palisade.
"Oh, really it's... no trouble," he said, idly fiddling with a strand of hair that had slipped away from the rest. After a moment he tugged the ribbon out from his pony tail, almost an afterthought. "Please travel safely. If you need anything... well, I don't know how much I can help from out here." He laughed quietly. "Let me know."
A short moment passed where he hesitated briefly, but the chill of the night sent a sudden shiver down his spine, bringing him back to the present. As if he had suddenly made his decision he turned from her, long legs making quick strides back out towards the edge of the forest and in the direction of home.
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Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 12:05 pm
Caroline stood under the light of the lamp, eyes trained on Thorne as he turned and departed. She felt oddly alone as he left, despite Elowen's presence. Although Elowen was hardly bad company, Elowen was constantly with Caroline, and with their bond, Elowen had come to feel more akin to Caroline's shadow, rather than a frequent companion. The two stood there, long after Thorne had disappeared from view, starring out across the town, her eyes fixated on the woods. She had never thought she would come to fear those woods, the woods that had gifted Elowen to her. A chill ran down her spine, and she was jerked from her trance. Suddenly very aware of the darkness and the threats it now held, Caroline turned abruptly and practically threw herself through the inn door, wishing she could bolt it shut behind her.
Ascending the stairs, she walked down the hall to her room and opened it to allow herself and Elowen into the room. Her maid waited up inside, standing from her seat as soon as Caroline entered. The maid chattered on about how lovely the ball must of been while she prepped Caroline for bed, and Caroline let the woman talk, though only nodded wordlessly. Her mind was elsewhere. Had Thorne made it home safely? What was he doing now? When would they meet again? What would happen to all of them now?
Normally, she would have confided in the maid, as Caroline was not normally one to brood and dwell on things alone. But this was beyond bothersome tea parties and catty noble ladies. That, and she was far too exhausted to want to try and recount everything for someone who was not present, and would not understand the degree of terror. So she slipped under her covers inside, and when the maid went to blow out the candle, Caroline stopped her. "Wait. No. Please, leave it burning." The maid looked at her oddly, but consented, and left the room. Caroline drew the covers up to her chin, and watched Elowen settle next to the bed, before closing her eyes.
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