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2024-10-29 19:42:56She stared for a moment. Her brain did a fantastic job she thought. He really looked like a knight. His hair sat right below his shoulders, a bit dirty, but a nice color of dark caramel and chocolate. He had a broad face accompanying a chiseled jaw and chin. His eyes were possibly hazel or just a light brown sitting on each side of a strong nose.
His skin was weathered and a thin, short, scar ran down the left side of his face. He was dressed in what looked like tarnished amour. His arms were thick, muscular, being crossed over a wide chest. She thought she should make it into one of 'those' dreams, with this look, she could really enjoy it.
Nikolas noticed her eyeing him while he got a clearer look at her.
"Fantasy? Women, ye are in our camp, be weary of what fantasies are going on in me men's heads at this moment." Saying this caused her to stop staring at him and look around. He could tell from her face and cocky attitude she may really think this a dream.
The wizard and Hagthoria watched, holding their breath, waiting to see if she'd spout a tail, or summon hellfire in her palms to destroy the entire camp.
"She is human, Cap’n. I can tell that she has no magic in her. How did she end up here with us?" Caspian spoke up not able to handle the silence that had fallen. The women looked over at him and he smiled. She smiled back and focused back on Nikolas.
"Human, of course I am human. But look, if this is a dream, I don't do parties" noticing a haggard old woman on the ground sitting next to an even older man. Ally shuddered at the thought and quickly shook her head. Surrounded by iron clad men also, she must have read to many D&D books as a kid to come up with this kind of dream, she mused.
"Or old women and men. Especially not pubescent boys! I think it's time to wake up, this is getting a little too freaky for my taste." Saying that, she ended up squealing as she pinched her right cheek.
Ally started slapping both her cheeks and jumping up and down. Everyone in camp just watched in confusion as to what they were witnessing.
"Aye she be possessed! Hurry now, end her before we all's become cursed!" Hagthoria hissed out, as she got up and tried to quickly hobble to where Nikolas was standing.
"She is not possessed, ye old witch, the lady is merely delusional, she believes she is dreaming and is attempting to wake herself. We brought the poor dear here, I would have sooner brought the Devil." The wizard cried out softly in regret. He stood to walk over to where the newcomer was currently jumping.
"My Lady, ye indeed are not dreaming. I am Vermanius the 3rd, and it was due partially to my incompetence that ye were brought here. I am deeply sorry for it, and we will send ye back, as soon as the old hag, ye see, ehm, that managed this mistake mostly, is sober and well enough to travel. We will need to go and fetch a new batch of materials." He bowed to her after explaining what needed to be done in hopes that she would believe him.
The woman stopped jumping and stepped closer to the wizard, after eying him, she lifted the side of his robe, and proceeded to tug on his beard. The wizard was taken aback, but stood still watching her. He didn't know what to make of her weird actions.
"Wow, you really look, um, real? I haven't watched that cartoon since, dang, I was like 7. What's it called, you know, with the kid, and sword, and the cooky wizard? You look just like him! How did I manage that? I should write a book!" She let go of his beard as she said this and started eyeing all the men around her. She could see the lude stares some of the soldiers were giving her and it started to piss her off.
"Hey! I'm not a piece of meat, and you can just stop with the mental images!" She pulled her robe closer as she shouted at them. It caused a few of them to look away while others hung their heads.
Watching the woman, he couldn't help but stare. Even her telling off his men was a little attractive. However, he realized they were getting nowhere and with what lays ahead, they needed solutions.
"A name, let's start with that, what tis yer name, woman?" Nikolas asked her curtly only to garner her attention from scowling at the men.
"Alexanna, Ally for short." When he asked her this, it made her question why would someone from her dream be asking her about herself? Wouldn't it be a given, if it's HER dream? Ally could feel her stomach drop, she thought to herself 'What if it really isn't a dream? What if I really am stuck here with the Knights of God knows where?'. She started panicking and suddenly all the faces started to swirl in her vision as she got light headed and passed out.
Seeing the panic cross her face as she started rapidly looking around, Nikolas realized she really didn't know anything. He realized the moment she started to drop. He was quick, and by her side, catching the entire back of her head in his hand.
Holding her head and looking down at her pouty lips, he felt something tug in his groin. Shaking his head feeling it wasn’t an appropriate timing, he shouted out for someone to fetch cool water from the spring next to their camp. Day break was here and they could see better to handle things.
"Is Barreth still out in the main tent? If so, someone prepare a pallet of fur in mine. Caspian, lad, come here." Caspian came running over at Nikolas’s urgent summons.
"Follow the stream west of here, it'd only be about 3 minutes, find shade by the water. Ye should see a bilberry bush there, if not, looks around the shade, they prefer the cold. Fill this satchel and bring it back. Be quick now!" Caspian nodded as he caught the small pouch. He ran swiftly, faster than a regular human.
Nikolas cradled the newcomer in his arms as he stood and carried her to his tent. Laying her down on the pallet of fur, her robe had fallen open to reveal a soft pink satin negligee. It wasn't modest for women to be wearing such things he thought.
He could see her pert nipples like little pebbles poking the fabric. He looked down and seen the garment was cut above the knee at the middle of supple looking thighs. He felt another tug at his lower region and scolded himself. This was no different than the whores who worked at the pubs he visited. Pulling her robe closed with a little frustration and reluctance, he tied the fuzzy sash it had and wondered what animal had fur so red?
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Catching the Wind Respect
After making sure she was covered and warm, he stood and headed out of the tent. A handful of soldiers were hovered together looking over in the direction of the Nikolas's tent. They were talking about the woman who just popped out of the smoke. One soldier was using his hands to describe her figure and the men laughed and nodded in agreement. "Now that the knights have no King, have thee become ruffians? Bandits? Tasteless thieves who pillage and rape!?" Nikolas said this with distaste when he walked over and scuffed the nearest soldier on the back of the head. "Keep yer words and thoughts to yer self. We are yet unsure who she be and what she be about. Until then, avoid looking at her till I say differently! Hear me?" His thunderous tone could be heard echoing for miles. He didn't take kind to disrespecting women he didn't know, but once he crossed that line, he knew what kind of animal he could be as well. A sudden ruckus could be heard coming through the trees towards
Catching the Wind Forced
Nikolas let loose a gut filled laugh as he put his hands on the Lieutenants shoulders. "Ye were out only a handful of hours. Rest, our guest is passed out as ye were." The moment Nikolas said this, a scream could be heard from outside the tent. It wasn't the scream of the witch, but of a younger woman. He looked at Barreth's confused face and winked. "Our new guest has apparently woken as well. Rest, I will be back." With those words he left the tent to see what the fuss was about. Waking up and realizing she was not in fact dreaming at home, but awake, here in this reality, Ally couldn't help but be scared. Peeking out the tent, she noticed the sword leaning on a branch helping support the tent. She had never held a sword before but holding it like a golf club couldn't possibly be any different, so she thought. Rushing out she had grabbed the sword to find herself almost tripping to the ground trying to lift it. When she finally got turned back around facing the camp,
Catching the Wind Time
Ally looked at Nikolas as he spoke. She had too many questions to just sit and eat, but her stomach started protesting and rolling like thunder, so she obliged. Walking over to the log she could get a whiff of dirt, horse manure, some much needed deodorant, and some kind of roasted meat. Her stomached suddenly retracted in aversion. Turning to hand her some kind of burnt flesh skewered by a stick, Nikolas could see the disgust on her face. “Tis rabbit. Cooler season is among us so they no longer have worms.” Hearing him say this, Ally turned and started retching. The men sitting next to them looked on with confusion. “Do not like rabbit? Well, we only have rabbit, unless ye’d rather eat the grass instead?” Nikolas was at a loss and sarcasm was his way of dealing with it. He had never met someone who didn’t like rabbit. “No thanks. Look, where am I, who are you people, and what’s up with your English? How did I end up here to begin with? You obviously didn’t k
Catching the Wind Make Haste
(Trigger Warning) “WHERE IS SHE?” he billowed out. The men stopped talking, Hagthoria raised her head from twirling the leather tie on a soldier’s armor and looked around also. “Sh..she went to use the woods sir, she said it was an emergency, a 'woman' issue, wanted to relieve herself alone.” One of the men sitting nearest to where she previously sat, spoke. “WHICH WAY?” He yelled. Nikolas knew that scouts were afoot for the King, so he grabbed his scabbard and sword leaning on his tent as he dropped the pile of furs. Mumbling how the female was already a pain in his hind end and only having been there less than a day, he ran into the woods in the direction the soldier pointed. It was daylight, so Ally could see her way through the dense woods. She still wasn't a hundred percent she wasn't dreaming, but regardless she just couldn't take it anymore. Tricking the soldier that was keeping an eye on her was easy, at least they understood when a women needed privacy. He
Catching the Wind Quick End
(Trigger warning cont.) "Aye, lass, wake it, ye nigh fall asleep on me, ye hear? " He slapped the side of her face as he said this and realized she had passed out. Stopping and getting back to his knees he looked at his partner. "She dead?" Motioning for his partner to check, the man leaned down and put his ear between her exposed breasts. Lifting his head back up, he shook it and just smiled. "Nay, she jist takin a wee sleep is all, so hurry now, ye taken long enuf." his partner responded. "We needs to wake the lass, I cunn't enjoy it with just a log layn der. Tis no fun, go gets sum water, we wake her an continue." saying this, he stood with his pants still around his ankles. "Awe, nah, cum now man, just do it, otherwise I be taken her now," his partner stood as he let go of her wrist, and started undoing his trousers. He pushed his friend aside. "Gets ye arse back, I be showin yer hows a real mans does its." working his dirt stained trousers to the ground, he w
Catching the Wind A Quick Regret
“Water! Bring me water! Wizard, come here at once!” his commanding voice could be heard throughout most of the camp. The Wizard stopped his eye rolling as the witch pouted about the soldier that ran away and went into the tent. Seeing the stranger covered in leaves and bruises he sucked in his breath. “What happened sir, that she ended up in such a state? I will apply some salve to her cuts and those nasty bruises, it will take a day or two for them to subside.” Shaking his head, he reached in to his robe and pulled out a small metal jar. Reaching up with his hand to the wizard, Nikolas didn’t take his eyes off Ally. “Nay, I will apply it, tis again, my fault for not watching the lass more closely. More scouts came upon her wandering in the woods. Pray now she realize the situation and not stray far from camp. War is not to be taken lightly.” He took the salve the wizard handed him as he explained what happened. Applying the honey like concoction on the abrasion
Catching the Wind Heading Back
The beast shook his head and Hagthoria hobbled over to it. Nikolas helped her up on the animal as she grunted in slight protest. Once firmly seated upon the beast, the horse turned around to face him. "Do tell the lad we shall return, until then, keep close watch. I will, with certainty, try my best not to allow the old hag to stop for a drink or three." Listening to the horse speak, Nikolas nodded his head in agreement. "Tis be a bit longer fur ours return, best be keepin ye's eyes on the succubus, I nay be trustin er. Keepin er's away frum the mens until we be returnin Nikolas, be best." The witch gave this warning, making Nikolas chuckle. With a quick nod and smile, he slapped the wizard on his hind end and they took off. Turning to go check on Ally, Nikolas met Caspian and Barreth coming out of the tent. Looking at Caspian, he asked how she was doing. "Her head felt cool as I let the wash sit for a moment, sir, I think she will be fine. I covered her well with some f
Catching the Wind Lady Regaline
“We..we dare not disturb ye, Sire, gave us instructions to..to not disturb yer Majesty un..unless the Castle was a..aflame.” pleading with the King for understanding, the soldier raised up, looked at the people all kneeling behind him. He did not want to be the one receiving the Kings wrath at that moment. They were all aware as to what King Barkarius had been doing in those 4 days. It happened often he would not leave his room during drug filled entertainment with female guests. The King had explicit rules to not be disturbed during that time. “So, ye thought not to inform me that the dragon managed to walk right out of my castle? Ye thought to not inform me, that half of my army, just abandoned their duties?” Going down each step as he spoke, the King stood before the soldier. “Apparently I am no longer King of this castle if ye think for a moment I need not know that the very purpose of my existence freely walked out the doors?” The King addressed all as he pulled the sw
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- Catching the Wind
Clean Open
Besides the rare utterings from Hagthoria as she bad mouthed Ally in her sleep, no other noise except soft snores and crackling embers filled the small camp. All of them were exhausted, but relieved, the battle had ended. The sun rose quickly, shining off the cool dew that blanketed the leaves and clung to their cloths by the fire. Vermanious was already awake, still in the form of a horse, munching on the sweet wet grass while Nikolas woke. Getting up, he walked over to where the old man was. “Goodmorn” he said stretching, looking through the trees at the sun peeking through. “Yes, it be right nice, though the cool nights will be getting longer soon.” Vermanious responded between chewing the vegitation. Nikolas just looked at him and laughed softly, as he patted his neck. “Never is it easy to be seeing ye like this and watchin ye speak old man.” Nikolas said nervously. The horse bobbed its head, “Trust, tis even funnier when the old witch and I be getting to the pub, I dare s
- Catching the Wind
By the Fire
Ally covered her smile and walked over to her horse. She had trouble when leaving the castle earlier, she had never mounted a horse on her own. “Let me help ye lass.” Nikolas said coming up behind her. She nodded, facing the saddle. “What made ye change yer mind?” He asked quietly. “I’m not sure. It’s crazy to think all the movies I’ve seen never prepared me for what this world is really like. Knowing that, it probably helped to change my mind. I will have to return home someday, but for now, without a job to go back to, I will just consider this a vacation, sort of.” She responded as he lifted her at the waist. Ally pulled herself up and looked down at Nikolas when she was seated. “Are you mad I stayed? Do you think I am crazy for staying?” She said smiling gently. He shook his head no in response. “What I be thinkin lass, is nothin to do with ye stayin or goin.” He was trying to hide his desire for her. Grabbing her small waist and lifting her up put images in his h
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On Their Way
“Well are ye ready lad?” He said watching Caspian who was now looking down at the field. “Umm..where’s Ally?” He asked turning to Nikolas. “Did she not say her farewells to ye last night lad? Did ye forget?” He responded walking over to the edge. “No, she didn’t say a word to me she wouldn’t be joinin us. She only asked how I was feelin and what would be the first thing I be doing when I can fly. There was nothin else.” Caspian said looking over at the castle. “I be not sure why she didn’t give her farewells then. She plans on waitin around for them to send her back, I’m sorry lad. She did say she will be missin ye though.” Nikolas relayed the words, not understanding why Ally didn’t say goodbye to Caspian. “I be figurin as much, she be nothing but a selfish devil, best she be goin back soon.” Hagthoria commented while she eavesdropped on their conversation. “Hush, old woman. She has a right to be wantin to return home, we cannot blame her for that.” Nikolas said, glancing
- Catching the Wind
Appearance Request
His words sat heavy her heart. “I cannot tell you what kind of experience this has been for me. I still am trying to believe this is not a dream. I appreciate everything everyone's done, in their own way, to make me feel accepted. It breaks my heart to leave Caspian, he’s like the little brother I’ve never had.” Ally said, feeling at loss on how to react. “I am sure he will be missin yer company, tis certain.” Nikolas responded, feeling suddenly awkward. “And..I will miss him too.” She wasn’t sure what else to say. “I, ehm..am sure the rest of them will miss ye as well.” He almost let out that he would miss her, but he didn’t want to appear desperate. Ally nodded and stared at him. If he begged her to stay at that very moment, she knew she would say yes. “Umm..I do have a question that’s been bugging me. Why does Caspian need his parents so he can learn to fly? I mean, isn’t it as simple as flapping his wings?” Ally never had the chance to ask, so with the short silence bet
- Catching the Wind
Time to Part
Nikolas could understand where his friend was coming from. The loss of a loved one was never easy to move past. He was hopeful that Cutterson taking over the new Kings army would give him reason to live. “Ye cannot be blamin ye self, brother. The person responisible will be rotten in the dungeon until her last breath. Y can be sure of that. Now, I need ye to drag yer self back up proper. Those men need a good captain and I cannot think of another who has more reason to keep going forward then ye.” Nikolas kept his words convincing. The biggest fear he had was that Cutterson would reach a depressive state and take his own life. Nikolas had seen it happen too many times amongst the men. Being far from home, away from a dying loved one. No way to see them. “The captain is right. Ye be best for this. It will give ye a purpose.” Barreth commented, not sure how else to help convince him. Cutterson asked that they give him time to think on it more before the morning. It was already lat
- Catching the Wind
No Mourning
Ally was feeling torn. She wanted to object, and beg them to try, she wanted to go back home. A hot shower with normal body wash and real shampoo was something she missed. Her body wanted a face mask, and to file away the jagged edges that developed on her nails. Her stomach missed a cold beer with fried chicken and she needed a good night's sleep in her own bed, not a hot sweaty back from animal skins. Then thinking about Nikolas, Barreth and Caspian, she had grown close to them in such a short time, how could she leave. What she witnessed on the field below was a piece of history, for someone’s future, probably not even hers. She wanted to see Caspian fly, if she were to ever go home, she wanted to take that kind of memory with her. “I understand, but I really need to get back soon.” She really didn’t, unless you would name off her wants as needs. Other than herself, she didn’t have anyone. No job, no real friends, back in her time. “We understand lass, ye are welcomed to stay
- Catching the Wind
Without Decision
Nikolas felt without a doubt that the solution to the curse resided in the mountains. “We will head to Mt. Gelu come the morn. The lad had been cursed by a wee Fae up there, I’m sure of it.” He blurted out as he approached the camp fire. Barreth stood, “Are ye sure?” Nikolas nodded. “We first must see to the Kingdom Cap’n, then I will join ye on this trip.” Barreth said, feeling a bit concerned that they were rushing. “Aye, ye be right. I will speak with the King come the morn. For now, we will head back to the castle with the lad.” Nikolas said as he looked over at Ally by the fire. “The Fae generally don’t approach dragons. They have long lives themselves so I am unsure of what the purpose of the curse would have been for.” Vermanious said outloud. “Tis a simple reason. Our dragon has him a little fairy up there in the mountains that couldn’t bear the thought of him leavin her.” Nikolas chuckled as he walked over to stand by Barreth. “Oh? Ha ha, ye don’t say, how did ye come
- Catching the Wind
Obvious Truth
Barreth gave Nikolas an odd look and shook his head. “Lass, when ye done, we shall be headin to meet with the witch on the hill. Tis cooler, I will have a someone bring ye somethin, warmer, to wear then what ye have.” Nikolas called out from behind the door while thinking of the garment he was eyeing not moments ago. “Okay, that’s fine, thank you.” Ally responded in a rushed tone. Barreth could sense something happened before he had returned to his captain but decided it wasn’t worth visiting. Afte Ally was well dressed, the three of them were given horses from the stables. Even though it was dark, they would be fine riding as the field was already alit with bodies being burned. Halik opted to stay back to keep an eye on Cutterson. Nikolas hoped that Caspian was awake so he could be questioned about wandering the snowy mountains. If what he heard from the Scourts troops was true, they may be one step closer to getting the dragon well and flying. After riding for 30 minutes,
- Catching the Wind
No Answer
Not sure if going in unannounced was the right thing to do, Nikolas decided to try one more time. “Lass, I am about to enter. If ye aren’t decent, I cannot be held wrongly if ye don’t answer me.” He waited until the count of 10 in his head and turned the wooden latch on the door. Slowly opening the door, her peaked his head around. Ally was nowhere to be seen in the room. All that sat there was a a steaming wood basin. Nikolas opened the door further as he entered followed by Barreth. “She must be somewhere else in the castle.” Barreth commented as he stood by the door, scratching his black beard. “Go and see if ye can find her. Ask all the help and check and see if any horses are missing from the stables.” Nikolas said, standing next to him. “Cap’n, I do have a question before I go’s searchin. What if the lass be with the King? I dare not knock on his door in fear of losin me head, haha” Barreth asked, and the laughed because he truly thought it was possible. Swearing under hi
