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2024-10-29 19:42:56Nikolas 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, she noticed shirtless, albeit muscular, men sitting around a camp fire, and an old bum of a woman, standing by them holding what looked like a metal mug of some sort, making kissy faces at one man in particular.
She noticed the wizard from last night was busy pulling leaves off a branch and stuffing them in his robe. Looking back over to the shirtless men, she could see dirt and blood creased in their muscles. She would happily wash their beaten bodies, if this were a dream.
Realizing she was not dreaming, however she screamed. She didn't know what else to do but try to scare them so she tried lifting the sword in their direction.
"Anyone comes near me, and you can forget about ever being a MAN again, capeesh?" In a stern voice she threatened then men as she glanced at their private areas.
Hagthoria looked up and realized what was going on, and in hearing those words, she felt she should be mad, for the men of course.
She spit out a few insults regarding poor baby demons and the strangers robe, then hobbled over to the oblivious wizard and grabbed his robes, pulling him in front of her between the sword now pointed in her direction. Finally, Nikolas had come out of the main tent.
The scene before him could not be funnier. Standing just outside the tent stood the newcomer in her very red robe, attempting to hold a sword pointed at the campfire of men. He noticed Hagthoria and Vermanius were standing off to the side of the men watching. Pointing her crooked finger at the hysterical women while hiding behind the wizards' robes, the witch yelled at the women.
"Shedevil! Ye bee a wicked harlot here to succumb the men! Back to the bowls of Hell ye need be going, we want none of it here!" The witch spat these words like fire at her and started to reach into her robe, noticing, Nikolas ran to stand in front of the bobbing tip of the heavy metal sword now pointed in the witch's direction.
Watching the newcomer attempt to hold the sword up was amusing to him. He watched as it bobbed and then noticed it was shaking. Looking at the women holding it, he could sense her fear and confusion, so the humor drained away to concern.
"Alright now lass, yer in no need of fearing anyone here, just set it down. We will get yer back home, soon, but first we need to talk." Scanning her face as he said this, Nikolas walked forward until the tip of the sword stopped moving and sat in the crook of the armor hugging his chest.
Seeing Nikolas for the first time close, and in daylight, Ally realized the smoke-filled dark had hidden his handsome features. His eyes were a deep blue set with the sun worth skin of his face. He looked older than he was possibly, she thought to herself. Everyone here needed a bath in her opinion but she didn’t mind he seemed dirty and rugged.
During her mental lowdown on his looks however, she didn’t realize Nikolas had taken the blade of the heavy sword she was holding and coaxed it from her hands.
“Seems ye have good taste. Been a time since a woman’s looked at me like that, lass, keep it up and ye may have regrets in the morning.” Cocking one eyebrow at her as he said this made her frown, and realize what just happened.
Ally was unsure what to do. She began backing up towards the tent she came out of but realized she’d be stuck. Looking around frantically she could only see dense woods on each side of her and a band of strangers in front of her.
Watching from the sidelines, the wizard could also sense her fear and pitied her. The old witch and him were responsible for her, as they were the ones to make the mistake in pulling her here.
“Ah, Captain, perhaps the Miss would like some food. Yer men did well in hunting, and have had their fill, with plenty left to spare. Or maybe some ale, as I am sure her nerves could us with some calming.” Suggesting this, Nikolas nodded.
“Whaa, ye be nuts! Cohortin with a succubus, regrets ye will!” Hagthoria argued as she did not like the way the soldiers were taken small liberties with their peeks at her.
“Witch, this is my camp, MY men, I have no worries of her bein anythin other than just a lost lass, so quiet with ye!” It was the first time Nikolas snapped at the old witch, but he'd had enough for 10 fortnights.
Hagthoria just hmphed and turned to refill her mug as he spoke to the newcomer.
“Sit and eat, then talk. I will have the two responsible for this” Nikolas looked over at the wizard and the witch with an annoyed look, “get ye back to whence ye came.”
He gestured to a large log sitting to the side of the main group of men. Nikolas trusted his men on the battlefield, tried and true, but with this woman now in their camp, he knew what their thoughts were. He was a man with eyes as well.
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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
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(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
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(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
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“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
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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
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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
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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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“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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
