|
|
Post by karenee on Mar 1, 2006 11:06:04 GMT -5
Kaie stepped out into the night to wait for the women her father had summoned and looked up at the hill she had descended earlier that day. Silver moonlight glistened over the branches of the trees and the shadows wavered beneath a light breeze. Taking a deep breath, she sighed. She had found her father! How amazing!
On the ridge, she saw the watchtowers she had passed on the way down, dark shadows against the starry sky. She looked away, wanting to think only of the peaceful in this moment.
What was that on the hillside? She stared intently. Could it be an animal? Or was it really a man she had seen creeping down? Shivering slightly, she pressed back against the wall. But she couldn't find the form in the darkness any longer, and she finally decided it had been her imagination.
It was with great relief that she followed the elderly woman who came to lead her to a room, complete with warm water to bathe in, a tray of food, a bed, and a set of clean clothes.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dred on Mar 1, 2006 13:41:36 GMT -5
**Inside the village**
Talking quickly and firmly with the two men with him, he explained what had passed between him and his daughter. They were to prevent anyone from mentioning what had taken place all those years ago to his brother and the family. There were only several people who still knew the truth of that time and he didn't want it coming out. His plans to use his daughter to destroy the rival village were moving forward but caution was still necessary. He had gained knowledge of the strength of arms he would face and found it wanting.
He turned back to the main house and saw his daughter standing there when she suddenly pressed herself back to the wall. Turning his head, he rapidly scanned the hills for any sign of what would shock her so. Finding nothing, he continued his discussion with his two best warriors.
**The hills outside the village**
Cyfnach had returned from his venture down the hill towards the village walls. He sat and spoke with several of the men with him and gestured to bring Rhian closer so she might here what he had found out. I have heard the words of the chief. He is planning on using Kaie to enter our village and destroy us all. She doesn't know this and she is in grave danger. We must warn the others and see what can be done to help Kaie.
**Back home in the village.**
Rhakar stalked the shoreline overseeing the last traces of work being done by torchlight on the new hall. It was a grand structure that would house the entire community should the need arise. Ever since the attack and Kaie's departure he had been busy making arrangements that would better defend this area. There was still much to be done and he feared they may not get everything finished before his thoughts came true.
The missing Rhian had given him pause. He knew she must have left on her own to follow the others and shook his head at the many times he had heard her doing such things before. She was a free spirit that would fight to avoid being tamed.
|
|
|
|
Post by karenee on Mar 2, 2006 13:09:28 GMT -5
Kaie woke the next morning, dressed in her borrowed clothing, and went out to explore. Maybe the villagers would be more friendly now that her father had accepted her.
Everyone was busy. She sighed as she realised that they were still avoiding her. How could she be accepted? A young girl was drawing water from the well, straining to pull the rope.
"Here, let me help you!" Kaie hurried forward, but the child gave a shriek, dropped the rope and fled.
"What on earth is wrong with you people?" Kaie muttered, and pulled up the water. Luckily, there was a safety device to prevent losing the rope down into the well, or the village would have had to replace it. "You'd think I was a monster!"
She drank a little of the water and set off to find her father. Perhaps he could tell her what was going on.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dred on Mar 2, 2006 14:30:24 GMT -5
Sitting in conversation with his advisors, Kaefeir's head came up sharply as he caught sight of his daughter. The voices hushed quickly and with a slight gesture the men departed leaving Kaie and her father alone. I trust you slept well and feel better daughter?
|
|
|
|
Post by karenee on Mar 2, 2006 15:42:50 GMT -5
"Father, I don't know what's wrong! Noone will talk to me. There was a little girl who actually screamed and ran away, just now when I offered to help her draw water! What's wrong? Did I do something?" Kaie dropped into one of the vacated seats and sighed. "I just want to make friends with your...my people! I want to find out who knew my mother and talk to people who knew me when I was little. I'd love to learn where Mother's favorite places were and visit them. I can't talk to anyone! Or, rather, they won't talk to me!"
|
|
|
|
Post by Dred on Mar 2, 2006 15:54:06 GMT -5
He kept his calm as he listened but as she finished, he stood and began pacing the room with nervous energy. They are wary of new people. The community has been hurt by those who have betrayed us from within. That is why they are doing what they are doing. I ask you to be patient with them. In time it will be easier. I shall have word spread around that all is well and you are to be trusted. That should help.
Is there anything else I can do for you?
|
|
|
|
Post by karenee on Mar 2, 2006 23:26:40 GMT -5
Kaie sighed. "Father, it's good to meet you. I'm really glad to know you're alive! But... I left a lot of things undone back in Sherwydd. My home is almost finished. I ended up leaving a few special things that I'd really like to have, never mind I don't want to keep imposing and wearing other women's clothes.
"I thought that in a couple days I'd head back. You don't need to send anyone with me. Just remind me of the landmarks. Then, once I get settled in, I could come to visit sometimes. There really isn't a place for me here, Father. You're busy. I don't want you to worry about me because I don't have friends. Here, all I do is wander around! I... I don't want to hurt you... you do understand that, don't you?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Dred on Mar 6, 2006 21:00:27 GMT -5
He sat and contemplated the matter for a time before rising to his feet and walking over to stand before his daughter. I understand how you feel daughter. You may of course leave at any time you wish. I would sleep better at night if I knew you had someone I trusted with you though. A companion who would be with you and protect you should trouble arise. These are dangerous times.
|
|
|
|
Post by karenee on Mar 7, 2006 17:14:11 GMT -5
She shook her head. "Father, I definitely don't want one of the men who came here with me! They all made me uncomfortable, and I can't think of anyone I've met here who I'd feel comfortable with as an escort, to be honest. I'd far rather be on my own."
Would he understand? She stared at the floor as the silence after her words lengthened. Maybe it was her modern independance jumping out at him. Had she annoyed him? Finally, she peeked up at his face.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dred on Mar 10, 2006 9:23:20 GMT -5
He sighed in resignation as he approached her. Very well. I understand your heart in this matter. You shall travel on your own. I won't force these people on you.
|
|
|
|
Post by karenee on Mar 10, 2006 11:46:45 GMT -5
She sighed in relief and stood to hug him. "Thank you so much for understanding! I promise, I'll come to visit within a month, this time with my belongings, and I'll figure something out that I can do here to gain the trust of your people."
Collecting her clothing from her room, she left the borrowed dress and hurried from the village. Later that day she settled by a stream on the other side of the hill and pulled out the packet of rations her father had given her when she stopped to say farewell. Munching on a trail biscuit, she gazed into the sky and gave a sigh of relief to finally be alone.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dred on Mar 10, 2006 13:50:32 GMT -5
**In the village**
He watched his daughter leave before gesturing quickly for several men to approach. The hunters were skilled in their art and would have no difficulty following without being seen. They understood their role to watch and see what was taking place before reporting back to him.
**On the hills**
Cyfnach had watched from a distance and waited until Kaie had departed before gesturing hurriedly for everyone to gather their belongings. He spoke in hushed tones with one man before pointing back at the village and then towards the way they had come. The man nodded his head once in understanding before returning his attention to the activity taking place below.
Cyfnach returned to find the others ready to leave but he paused to speak with Rhian. We are going to follow Kaie and approach her after she has returned home. If she is being followed, we don't want to give anything away of our being here. We'll bypass the lake and approach from the back side so as to keep ourselves secret. If you wish to stay here with Galfon that is your choice but we are going home. Galfon will be moving about very frequently and there is great danger if you stay.
|
|
|
|
Post by debinoxford on Mar 10, 2006 17:28:25 GMT -5
I understand, Cyfnach. But i wish to stay for one day longer before returning back. I wish to go up into the hills north of the lake to gather some herbs so this time away from the village is not wasted by my frivolous wants. There will be no danger for me at that point if indeed she is followed. She watched the men gather their things up and prepare to leave. A sudden pang of sadness swept over her as she felt that this was the last time she would see some of these villagers. Rhian shook her head slightly at the feeling, banishing it from her mind as ill an omen as any. She wasn't a druid and shouldn't have premonitions like this and pushed them as far away from her eyes as she could.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dred on Mar 10, 2006 18:10:25 GMT -5
Cyfnach looked at her closely as he chose his next words. You should be fairly safe in those hills north of the lake. As we'll be coming in very near there, it will be an easy matter for you to part from us then. Until that time, I would appreciate your being with us. We can discuss some of the woodland lore and the hunter's art. After we return to the village, if you would like to come with us on future expeditions, I'm sure that can be arranged.
|
|
|
|
Post by luv1another on Mar 10, 2006 22:42:42 GMT -5
as shylah picks herself up she notices that things look diffrent, for starters the waterfall is somewhat smaller and not as intriguing as the one she had just stepped into before stumbling on the slippery rocks. the surroundings have a different species of tree just for starters. as she looks around she notices a girl sitting on the bank further up.
confused and disorientated she decides to go and ask this girl where she is.
she is cautious as she approaches and gets the feeling that she is being watched as she silently approaches the girl.
umm Gday, you couldnt tell me where I am could you?
|
|
