.:Days Of Future Past:.


Time.

Time flows forwards, backwards, sideways, a nonlinear stream of the very nature of what we call linear.

Most are unaware. Desmond Hume was not. Desmond Hume could predict. Desmond Hume could see.

Usually.

But Time had snapped, space had broken, and the stream that was usually his highway was an unwelcoming, uncooperative river.

And he couldn't stop it. It hurt his mind to try...hurt like a hundred-thousand knives...his hand on the key dissolved as everything went blindingly white.

Time reversed.

.desrever emiT

SNAP.

FLASH.

And like that, everything...was gone.

---

Reality, when it returned seconds - or millenia - later, was changed, twisted out of recognition. Things...were so very, very different.

Time? The one speaker he'd collared before they'd run in terror at the man who had just randomly appeared in the middle of the square said it was the Fourth Age. Whatever that meant.

Space? Well...it sure wasn't the Island. He could have sworn he'd just seen a dragon.

He only knew one thing: he had to get them back together. Had to get them back to the right place, the right time...

But what if they didn't want to go back?

.:The Story:.


At the end of Season Two, Desmond turned the Failsafe Key...and we still don't know what all that did. In this RP, that key reversed time and broke space. Now, the Losties who had died on the island have been returned to life, but they're no longer on the Island.

Currently, the Losties are in a fantasy enviroment in the time equivalent to the Middle Ages, complete with Magic and Dragons and all that fun happy malarky. They don't know who they are, exactly, but most of them have a faint memory of each other. Some have new abilities, some do not, but all are trying to not attract attention, period.

Most do not realize that their time has changed; they honestly believe that they are meant to be in this time. For them, there has been no other "time." To them, this is the present.

How long will that work, I wonder?
.:The Setting:.
Location: England
Year: 1745 of the Fourth Age.
Current State of Affairs: In this world, America has been discovered and colonized without guns being invented. There are no electric (or even gas) lights, lights are candles, torches and fires. Dragons exist, but they are mostly domesticated like guard dogs. Several have gone rogue lately. Taxes are high, but the people are generally alright. Jacob is a good king,relatively speaking - very few wars, crops aren't that bad.

Ben is duke of Nortguard, a moderately sized village in an equivalent of England. It's not quite England, but it's close enough. He rules with a firm hand - if harsh to those he views as breaking the law. The price for thievery is death, no matter the motive. Ben is rumored to have had people framed for thievery in the past, just to be rid of them, but no set evidence has been found of this.
Season: Early Winter
Current Day: Day Four After Meltdown



.:The Players:.


If they were in any of the seasons, they can be played, period.

NotAllThoseWhoWander - Desmond, Ben, Rose, Danny [Deceased], Penny [Deceased]
Sawyer's Mojito - Ana Lucia, Danielle.
LadybirdKate - Kate, Mikhail
Myha - Boone, Isabelle, Alex
Claire_littleton - Claire
Kirschwasser - Jin, Sun
hjr - Walt
Tom Zarek - Sayid, Juliet, Ethan, Eko
Clayr_Littleton - Jack

.:Open:.

Sawyer
Locke
Michael
Charlie
Shannon
Hurley
Libby
Bernard
Tom [Redshirt]
Ryan [Redshirt]
Noami [Redshirt]

.:The Rules:.

-Be realistic! Locke might want to stay, Kate might not.
-Relationships take time. No two-post romances.
-Don't god-mod. Don't make other player-characters do things.
-No killing/maiming/whathaveyou of another character without that Character's permission. Even with their permission, I would prefer you also check with me.

.:The End:.
Done blabbing now. :P

hmm i like the Middle ages twist.. I think this could be a fun one.

Sign me up for

Ana-Lucia
and
Danielle

( im developing a patter ^ ... :p)

oh dear GAWD.

ROFL.

Kate?

LOL what? Are YOUUU laughing at me taking Danielle??? Hmmm MISS KATE?? :P :P :P

LMAO!!! :74happy: :sorcerer: <<Danielle in the middle ages.

ROFL!

Oh i gotta have Sawyer in this one!!! Please!!!

LMAO!!! i know i thought she would be extra fun in middle ages.. MWHAHAHAHAHA!

May I be Hurley please?

*squeals* Hansi!! yay you joined *hugs* welcome to the world of RPG. :biggrin:

wooo, it liiiives!

Cast So Far

Sawyer's Mojito - Ana Lucia, Danielle.
LadybirdKate - Kate
lisagwilkins - Sawyer
NotAllThoseWhoWander - Desmond
starry palm tree - Hurley

Boone for me??

Claire?

So, it's kind of like medieval times? Like with kings and knights, but with fantasy thrown in?

Yep.. We are living in the Medevil england with horses and knight and wizards.. and fantasy for sure :D

Jack? and/or Alex?



And if not them...Isabel?

Libby, please... :biggrin:

Could I have Charlie please? And Shannon?

I would also like to take Ben. ;)

Any idea when we will start?

I would also like to take Ben. ;)

Any idea when we will start?

Actually, I'm planning on using Ben myself. D: But everyone else not listed is up for grabs...

As for when it starts, sometime after modnight tonight. I've got papers to finish spazzwriting, but after midnight one way or another it won't matter any more.

Ooo... than can I be Locke then? LOL

Ooo... than can I be Locke then? LOL

Of course. :biggrin:

Can i change mine?

Can I have Jack and Penny?

Right. So. Let's get this show on the road, shall we?

.:Days of Future Past:.


Part One



Desmond



Desmond Hume woke up to the feeling of someone’s boot nudging his ribs. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling, by any stretch of the imagination. He managed to blink open bleary eyes to glare up at the man standing over him.

“What, it’s not enough you have to have your thugs beatin’ on me, now y’gotta get part of the action?”

The man didn’t react to his goading, he only smiled quietly.

“No, Desmond-” Desmond flinched; he hadn’t told anyone his name here. The strange man noticed the flinch, his smile widening ever so slightly before he continued his sentence, voice soft and smooth. “-I don’t get my hands dirty. Not with scum like you.” He bent down, blue-green eyes as calm as if he was talking about the weather, to sneer in Desmond’s face.

“This is my town. I don’t need someone like you here to ruin things. Consider yourself fortunate it’s a holy day – we’re only throwing you out.” He straightened, brushing imagined dust off of his sleeve. “Come back again and your life is forfeit.”

He turned on his heel, as if to go, but Desmond wasn’t finished. His eyes narrowed as he managed to stagger to his feet. “Who are you,” he sneered back, “To decide sommat like that, eh? Who died an’ made you king?” What is goin’ on here?

The stranger spun around on his heel; Desmond expected his eyes to be flashing, angry, but there was nothing there to show any emotion, just blank coldness. Somehow, that was more frightening.

“No one. Don’t even say that. I’m not king.” The stranger took a step forward, Desmond took an involuntary step back, not knowing what to expect. “I’m not king and I never will be king – I’m not great enough.” He turned back around, waving at the men who suddenly appeared on either side of the cell door. “Take him to the limits, throw him out…”

The already low voice dropped an octave; Desmond had to strain to hear what was being said. “If he tries to re-enter the town, take him to the wolf den. Don’t do anything, just keep him there and send for me.” The man stepped through the door, looking back at Desmond with that same blank expression. “If you know what’s good for you, you won’t be back.” He felt a slight shiver trail down his back. Whoever this man was, he didn’t know him from…before….



.:Flashback:.

The Swan shook all around him, feeling as if the whole of the station was going to come crashing down around them. The electric buzz continued, undermined now by a dull, steady, constant roar. He could barely hear himself think as he scrambled through the access hatch for the fail safe, fumbling for the key.

By the time he reached the end of the line he was sweating, scared half to death of…whatever would happen when he shut it off. He could hear Penny’s sweet voice in his ear - All we really need to survive is one person who truly loves us. And you have her. I will wait for you. Always. I love you. – and he smiled, turning the key –

Everything went white. And then everything went dark. When he’d been able to see again, he’d woke up sprawled in the middle of a street…The people who had been there had fled rather quickly, yelling about demons…

It had taken him a minute to realize he was naked; he’d taken clothes from the nearest line, still confused, and set out to try and make out what had happened. This was like stepping into another world. There were horses, and carriages and he tried not to stare at the dragon that flapped its way across the square, slowly, like an old dog might walk.

And then he’d seen familiar faces – or ones he’d thought were familiar. The Korean woman and her husband had been walking through the market, both dressed in what seemed to be finery for this time, all lace and frills and silk. He’d moved to greet them and got a carriage whip across the shoulders for “impertinence.” They’d been gone before the sting and shock had worn off.

The day had only got worse from there. Every face he thought he recognized turned out to not recognize him, and he’d staggered into a bar sore and confused. The bartender looked familiar, but he kept his mouth shut. Enough was enough…until the beer has started, and loosened his tongue…

He didn’t remember much after that, just walking into somebody’s fist…and being beaten in front of that strange man.

And now he could add waking up.

.:End Flashback:.
Desmond felt his teeth gingerly as the guards hustled him out of the palace, silent to his questions. None were loose, thank God, he hated to think what a dentist would be like in this place.

He tried to keep track of the twists and turns in the alleyways as he was practically dragged out, but they were moving too fast to give him much time to focus at all. One of them shoved him out of a gate into a forest line, and slammed the heavy gate in his face.

Desmond sighed, turning to follow the wall. There had to be another gate in someway, somehow…

_______________________________________
Ben

Ben stood back in the shadows, watching as his guards hauled the strange man out of his cellar. The wheels in his head were turning rapidly, eyes hooded as he waited for them to be out of sight before he headed to the banquet hall of his manor.

Duke Benjamin, son of Linus, did not approve of odd behavior. So when the stranger has supposedly “appeared” in town, well, something had to done. Once the stranger had begun disrupting the entire town…

It had been the work of a moment to drag him in. He sighed, stepping into the hall and straightening his shoulders as he took his place at the table. “Herald! The morning lists!”

As he waited for the herald, he thought to himself. If this…“Desmond” shows up again, things will go considerably…worse. He let himself smirk at that thought. And it would be for the sake of the town. Of course.

_______________________________________

OOC: I may have gone a little overboard, so sue me. I’ve been writing school boring stuff for the last two weeks, I needed something fun to do. :P

||| Synopsis |||

Ana-Lucia:

There are Two sides to Ana. The Widowed Duchess, Who's Husband was Killed by the elusive vigilante known only as, La Venganza

She herself is La Venganza. Ridding society of its scourge, Murderers, Theifs, Rapist, KIlling them all with her Bow and Arrow.

She wanders in the wilderness, veiled in mystery, Few have seen her and lived to tell about it. It is unknown that she is a woman, and in fact the Duchess.

Her signiture is the arrow with bright purple feathers. She has unnatural Skills with a bow and uncanny senses, she can hear and see much farther than most.

She is deadly, and seemingly Merciless. La Venganza and The Duchess. One in The Same.

* La Venganza means the vengence * |||


__________________________________________________

Ana-Lucia:

She sat on her horse.. embedded in the forest cover. Watching the man being escorted out of town. They never escorted out on a holy day unless there was trouble. Wondering what he did.. she observed the guards push him across the limit markers.

She would watch & Follow him for awhile. Her Dark eyes flashed behind the mask that covered her face, Welcome to my forest prey
__________________________________________________ _

Claire

The young woman walked through a tiny market, admiring the dresses and scarves. Her long golden hair was longer than Claire Littleton of 2004 would ever be. The way she walked and stood was different.

Two other young women were following her every step. Handmaidens. Of course, young Claire was friendly with anyone who knew her. She considered these young women to be her friends, maybe her only friends.

Her father always kept her away from citizens, well, as much as he could. Of course he wasn't around her at all times so it was difficult for him. Claire had learnt to live with her father's ever-watching eye. But she had been sent away from her homeland, for protection. Being the daughter of a king, any part of any royal family would be a target of some kind of death plots.

There had been threats to her palace for some time now and her father believed it would be better for his daughter to be sent away, to a different kingdom, under the rule of a different King. Of course, the young princess didn't mind. That way, she could have more freedom than she was usually given.

[CENTER]
It had been the work of a moment to drag him in. He sighed, stepping into the hall and straightening his shoulders as he took his place at the table. “Herald! The morning list!"


Hurley:

Hearing this, he walked over to the table and began to read from the scroll that contained the morning list,

"The tax collection ended yesterday. Surprisingly little trouble in collecting it from the citizens. At 8 o'clock today there will be a meeting to discuss what kind of help, if any, will be given to the citizens affected by the rogue dragon who started fires in nearby villages. There is still a watch out for this dragon, if it does anything else to disturb the peace of the kingdom a knight will be sent out to slay it."

He finished reading, rolled the scroll back up, and then asked "Is there anything else I can do for you right now my lord?"

Sawyer

The sun shone through the stained glass windows of the estate of Count Bellasari. The Countess Lizette Ballasari held her arms tight around James' neck. She had turned over the deed for one of her husband's ships to James so that he could maintain the business he'd told her his father had left to him.

James kissed her deeply and softly pushed his tongue across her lips. "Many thanks, Countess. I'll be able to keep my father's business goin' now that you so, shall we say, unselfishly aided me." The Southern drawl was still there, which James found fascinating since he'd never been anywhere but in England, but for some reason the drawl was there.. There were faint memories of a life as a young boy in the American south, but he surmized that they were just dreams.

As he unlocked himself from her embrace he whispered to her. "I have to go now."

"James, will we never have a chance to make love?" The Countess asked.

"In due time, M'lady, in due time." He kissed her again and descended the steps of the front door. Outside waiting for him was his squire holding James' horse. It was odd having a woman as a squire but Kate had grown up with him and when her family had died, he took care of her. And when his family had died and his father had passed the manor on to him, they took care of each other.

James loved to tease her. The truth was he adored her. He lived for her but society being what it was he couldn't marry her. But that would change he would make certain of it. He would make her a lady, for certain.

But for now, he was back to teasing her. "What? Why do you always look at me like I been doin' somethin' naughty?" he asked.

Kate

Several hours previous.

His steed had been tied and secured. The moment they had disappeared arm in arm, boot heels and soft slippers padding up the steps to the Countesses' palace. She had taken her own horse and had ridden, not side saddle, as the townsmen had commanded her to do, but regularly to the outskirts of the property.

Beyond the moors and over the passages to the entrance to the caves. Much to the disturbance of Master Ford, she stubbornly wore men's breeches and riding boots, along with a white captain's shirt...and it was with this thought that she was mindful, as she lit the torch, careful not to light her own sleeve.

Sounds of water dripping down the walls somewhere from deep within....Breathing...Breathing...Breathing.

Coming upon her.

Dwarfed in comparison, staring up into the yellow incandescent eyes, her own green ones wide.

" I have done as you asked. The neighboring villages set aflame within the night."

Quietly remembering the homes as they exploded in a fury of ashes and soot. Timbers crackling and red tongued flames shooting skyward, as the townpeople scrambled, all too late to find their wooden buckets...

" You saved me the evening I fled from my true parents abuses. I am forever indebted to you. " Bowing her head slightly. " I was also fortunate enough that the Ford family would take me in as their squire..but they can never know the truth."

" They can never know that I protect you, as you have protected me."

A giant scaled leg stretched forward, allowing it her to touch it, and she smiled.

" I must take leave now...He will be waiting." Turning back towards her. " Be careful, they will be searching...They need not know that your flame died when they stopped believing in you."


Taking her horse, travelling the route in reverse...to the front steps. Settling her down....

Present

Down the steps he came, appearing as he always did, love tossed, blonde hair slightly askew, shirt opened, to reveil sweat on his chest.

"What? Why do you always look at me like I been doin' somethin' naughty?" he asked.

Smiling at him, and already handing him the reigns to his horse.

" I would have no cause to think such thoughts my Lord." Raising an eyebrow at him.

" Would I?"

Sawyer

Smiling at him, and already handing him the reigns to his horse.

" I would have no cause to think such thoughts my Lord." Raising an eyebrow at him.

" Would I?"

"Kate, I've known you since you were 8. Dontcha think we gone way past the 'M'Lord' stuff?" He asked, knowing full well she'd never leave her station to answer him. He watched her as she climbed up on her horse. He loved to watch her do that, loved to watch the curve of her thigh as she straddled the horse, the curve of her hips and she positioned herself.

He swallowed hard. "I think we should get rid of your horse. It would be much more fun if you sat up here with me."

||| Synopsis ||| Danielle:

Known Widely as The Swamp Witch, She lives in a bog, and Is where you go for a Potion, spell, or wisdom of the creatures around.

She is a bit crazy, and often speaks in riddles. She has a potion for EVERYTHING. |||

__________________________________________________ _______________

Danielle:

Stirring the pot, adding the mushrooms she had sent her messenger out to get.. Perfect

Using a ladle she scooped out some of the brew and poured into a tiny vial. She continued until she had 15 of these.

Pulling out her quill, she labeled them and set them on her shelf.

After instructing her messenger to sweep the floors and excusing him for the day, she stepped out onto her porch, The swamp bubbled vigorously today..Trouble was brewing.

It was Long ago she had learned to listen to nature and the forces, they spoke to her.
Now she shared her gifts with others. for a price.


She looked up at the sky to see the sun's time. Customers will arrive soon. she smirked and went back inside her small house.

Kate

Deciding against climbing even onto her own horse, she lowered herself down to the ground. Choosing to stubbornly walk, beside hers.

"I think we should get rid of your horse. It would be much more fun if you sat up here with me."



" Stop staring at my backside M'Lord." Glaring at him, chin held high.

Handsome Priss that you are.

Beginning to walk.

" One would think that because you have known me that long, you would have learned that I am not one of your townie Tarts."

Nodding 'respectfully' in his direction.

" Sir."

Ben

Ben watched as his rather large herald began to read off the news of the land, but his mind was elsewhere. Thinking. Some might call it plotting, but he preferred the term "planning."

Hurley

"The tax collection ended yesterday. Surprisingly little trouble in collecting it from the citizens. At 8 o'clock today there will be a meeting to discuss what kind of help, if any, will be given to the citizens affected by the rogue dragon who started fires in nearby villages. There is still a watch out for this dragon, if it does anything else to disturb the peace of the kingdom a knight will be sent out to slay it."

Ben frowned. I had forgotten about that dragon...

Most dragons in the land were gone; a few tamed ones worked to gaurd the town, but a few had been going rogue of late. Yet another problem he'd had to pretend didn't exist when he wrote to King Jacob. His herald rolled his scroll back up.

Hurley
"Is there anything else I can do for you right now my lord?" Ben thought for a moment, then waved dismissively.

"Not now. I may have need for you later in the day, but you're free to go for now..." He grabbed his inkwell and pen, prepairing a fresh sheet of parchment and dismissing the herald from his mind as well. He had a busy day planned; meetings with the butcher, the headgaurd, and the priest for tonight's festivities.

__________________________________________________ ____

Desmond



Desmond shivered again; he felt like someone was watching and it gave him the creeps. He walked slowly along the wall, wincing at the gravel and twigs underfoot. Every step only served to remind him of how sore he was, and before too long he had to rest, leaning against the wall.

Something must have happened when I turned that key...something that changed people and things...that's the only explanation...

He flexed his shoulder, wincing as he pulled a bruise. These clothes felt odd, too, rougher than normal fabric, baggy and a muddy-brown color. He'd probably taken them from someone who couldn't afford purple or red dye...he could remember reading somewhere - a long time ago - that those colors had been expensive. That explained the dreary nature of the market. Finally he had caught his breath, and stood up to start moving again.

Ana-Lucia:


Following ever so quietly on her horse, hidden amongst the trees, she watched the stranger take a rest, he wore poor man's clothes. She did not recognize him at all, hi accent was of the North.

She watched him, and decided he was not someone to be hunted, but just to be sure, she puled a small aper and wrote


Stranger,


You are in my forest. Should you cause any trouble I will not hesitate to kill thee.

~ L.V.

she attached then rolled paper to an arrow and aimed just inches in front of his face.

Releasing the string she landed the arrow in a tree right near his head.

Grinning in delight she giddied her horse forward. SHe did not want to be late for her lunch date.

Sawyer

Deciding against climbing even onto her own horse, she lowered herself down to the ground. Choosing to stubbornly walk, beside hers.

My but we are a spiteful wench. He thought.

" Stop staring at my backside M'Lord." Glaring at him, chin held high.

Handsome Priss that you are.

"Dear Kate, I've been starin' at your backside, since you first got a backside for me to stare at." He said.

Beginning to walk.

" One would think that because you have known me that long, you would have learned that I am not one of your townie Tarts."

Nodding 'respectfully' in his direction.

" Sir."

"One would think that because you have known me that long, you would know where my heart lies." He said, giving her a soft dimpled grin. "My 'townie tarts' as you put it, are a mere distraction, m'lady, a means to an end."

He rode a liitle ahead of her. He called back over his shoulder. "The ground will cut your feet to ribbons if you don't ride your horse." What a woman, he thought. You still think you're the cutest little tick in shoe leather.

Claire

She wasn't known as a Princess here, which was much better and easier on her. But of course people would figure she had some title as she had handmaidens, but she couldn't reveal what her title was. Besides, she was in hiding.

Letting out a sigh, she held out a shall, staring at it, deciding if she wanted it or not. She looked back at the two women, who gave their opinions, but she still wasn't sure.

Kate

Staring down at her riding boot, which granted did have to be mended, and was whose toe was held together with a piece of bootstrap tieing the sole to the upper portion.

Calling ahead to where he was cantoring along.

" Ah! Means to an end?"

Climbing on her horse and trotting just ahead, slowing slightly.

Standing in the stirups and lowering one half of her mens breeches.

" Well then Master Ford. Let the END have a meaning!"

Flashing one white cheek, in an endless joke between them since childhood.

Busting out laughing, pulling them back up and racing back along the road towards the estate.

John Locke

As he raised the bloody blade over his head, for a moment there, Locke could have sworn that he was in the middle of the jungle somewhere, about to cut up boar meat for supper. But of course, John was the farthest from any jungle he knew of, and there were hardly any boars around here. No, just the normal deer and cattle. Locke swung the blade down, cutting the piece of red venison he was working on in half.

The smock he wore was already red from a day's work, his brow wet with perspiration. John took one half of the meat and wrapped it in cloth, handing it to the man that was waiting behind the counter. He took it, and payed Locke what was owed to him. He smiled and pocketed the coins, getting to work on the rest of the deer.

Someone had just sold Locke the deer last night, and it was a big, beautiful buck. He payed handsomely for it, and he was not dissapointed. This was some quality meat he was getting, and would sure save most of it for the Duke. He had just got an order from one of his minions requestion for five pounds of venison.

Of course, Locke could always just send him the worst meat he had and hope that the Duke wouldn't notice. But that just wasn't his style, he liked to be honest when it came to his dealings.

"I'd like a half a pound of beef." said a wicked looking woman, as she entered into his shop (which also doubled as his home, as well).

Locke smiled at the woman, nodding, and he felt the scar that crossed his eye crinkled slightly. Now, he didn't remember getting no scar...

"Coming right up..." he said, pushing the venison aside and getting what the woman watned.

Boone

He was walking through the marketplace leading his stallion at his side on his way to Lady Cortez's estate. His blue woolen cape had seen better days. It was growing worn and grayish in places, but it was the only one he had at the time. Money was scarce, and with a sister like his it wasn't likely to get better. He had gotten his boot torn on a bush in the forest earlier, and he cursed himself when he saw the tear in it. To mend it, he had tied the leather straps around his leg tighter, and now he really began to feel how that cut off circulation.

The market was filled with people, and he smiled friendly to all of them. They mostly saw him as the rich, friendly kid up from the manor. He was friendly and from the manor alright, but he wasn't rich. Not anymore. His wealth was no more than an illusion, a shadow from the past when his parents were still alive.

He wiped the sweat off his face with a gloved hand. His powerful, blue eyes fell on a little girl by the side of the road and he smiled at her, feeling his mustache tickle him.

Almost there now...

He couldn't wait to get to the other side of the market so he could mount his horse and ride off again.

Sawyer

" Ah! Means to an end?"

"That's right," he called back. "When I sell this ship, it will fetch a heavy price and feed the manor's workers for monthis."

Climbing on her horse and trotting just ahead, slowing slightly.

Standing in the stirups and lowering one half of her mens breeches.

" Well then Master Ford. Let the END have a meaning!"

Flashing one white cheek, in an endless joke between them since childhood.

Busting out laughing, pulling them back up and racing back along the road towards the estate.

His mouth watered a little at the site of bare bottom. "Oh dear Kate, you unsheathed a dagger with your actions." He called and snapped the reigns of his horse. "YA!!!"

He galloped full speed up to her and as close as he could get. He pulled her off her horse and caused himself to fall on his back, making sure she fell on him as not to hurt her. He quickly flipped her over so that she was on her back and he was gazing down on her. When I'm 70 and we're playing with our grandchildren, I'll still pin you like this, m'lady, he thought. "Now what was that about the end having a meaning, dear Kate?" He asked.

Ana-Lucia:


Riding home through the cover of the forest. she stopped at the stable and released her horse. She went and to her chambers.

Changing out of the Riding pants she loved, she put on a corset and dress.

Looking into a mirror She saw the lovely expensive dress fall around her...
It felt wrong. She wanted to be on hr horse riding through the forest, in commune with nature.

Sighing she brushed her hair, and thought about Sir Boone. He was the only reason she left her life in the wilderness. She really loved his company, and she loved him, But he could never know her secret, who she really was.

Putting on her scented oils and ornate jewels, she walked downstairs and smiled to her Servant, " Is dinner prepared?"

"Yes m'lady" the servant replied with a bow " Roast quail, the finest from The butcher, John Locke." He picked lit the candles on the banquet table " and the finest wine from the vineyard"

Ana smiled and waved him off " very good, that will be all "

Looking out the window upon her massive estate her husband had earned before La Venganza, she, had killed him.. she shook these feelings off and turned around to make sure everything was ready.

She hoped to see Lord Boone arriving soon.

Kate

Seeing her feet fly out in front of her, and sailing through the air.

Landing on top of him with an unceremonious and most unlady like " OOF!" radiating from deep within her solar plexis.

"Now what was that about the end having a meaning, dear Kate?" He asked.

Catching her breath.

Staring up into his eyes and dimpled cheek, wondering how it was, stupidly, how he managed to shave that area without bleeding to death.

Refocusing.

" Well aren't you clever Sir? Look hence...Clever Master.."

Eyes growing sharper, silently calling him buffoon.

Raising an arm and pointing.

" Our horses have now taken a mind of their own and we are now forced to WALK the entire 4 kilometers home."

Face flushed.

Libby

Libby sat on her knees by the edge of the market, a small woven basket at her side. She was dressed in torn and dirt-sullied rags, with a small bonnet made of the tan fabric on her head. Her nose was smudged with dirt, and in her hand she held a old brown shoe. Her feet were bare, and blackened from the dirt and mud.

"Can thee spare me some change sirs?" she asked, gently stroking the shoe, watching as gentleman and ladies in a dazzling assortment of clothes passed her.

Her eyes held a vacant look. Libby was not one of the rich class, or even the middle class, if anything, she would be labeled as a poor begger. And she also would be labeled crazy. Crazy Libby, that's what they called her around these parts. But she didn't hurt no one, not like some of the other crazies. She just sat by her lonesome, stroking that shoe, begging for some change.

She never expected to get some. She never did. Libby would often spend her evenings digging in the palace's garbage for something to eat.

Suddenly, a man in a blue woolen cape passed her. Libby was so dazzled by him (mostly by his cape), that she had almost dropped the shoe. She stood, following him as he passed, leading his horse beside him.

"Can thee spare me some change, sir?" Libby said, as she circled the horse to face him. "I am awfully 'ungry sir, and me cat David... he ain't well..."

She pet the shoe again, craddling it like a baby.

Sawyer

" Well aren't you clever Sir? Look hence...Clever Master.."

Eyes growing sharper, silently calling buffoon.

Raising an arm and pointing.

" Our horses have now taken a mind of their own and we are now forced to WALK the entire 4 kilometers home."

Face flushed.

"You forget yourself, dear Kate. Have I ever not had a solution to any problem you and I have found ourselves in?" he asked.

He climbed back off her and reached his hand to her pulling her up. He put his fingers into his mouth and whistled. He then made a high pitched whine slightly resembling a whinney. A few seconds later his Palomino stallion came into to view, carrying the reins of her black Arabian mare in his mouth.

Sawyer rubbed the bridge of his horse's nose and praised him. He reached for the reins of her horse and handed them to her. "Your mount, m'lady."

Kate


"You forget yourself, dear Kate. Have I ever not had a solution to any problem you and I have found ourselves in?" he asked.



Well there was the time when that husband came along and stuck you in the rear with a pitchfork and I was forced to lie to your Father to protect you...and then there was that time when the other husband came along and you were with Mother AND Daughter and possibly the family dog for all I know, and nearly broke your neck falling backwards out the window...and then there was that time----

Watching him whistle, and the horses come bounding back like giant bunnies with long legs.

Snapping the reins from his hand, flinging her leg up over the saddle. Staring down at him.

"Your mount, m'lady."

Smirking.

" In your dreams Master Ford."

Spuring the horse onward, letting that sink in.

Boone

In the tight space of the market, he brushed into so many people all the time, that he failed to notice the poorly dressed woman, until she came around him and faced him.Libby
"Can thee spare me some change, sir?" Libby said, as she circled the horse to face him. "I am awfully 'ungry sir, and me cat David... he ain't well...""Your... cat..."

He stopped and looked at her, his eyes getting a sad expression, feeling really bad for her. He knew though, that if he showed his money, or anything of value at all inside that little market, they would all be over him like vultures on a dead body... only difference being that he would still be alive.

"My dear ma'am... do you know where the Carlyle estate is? Meet me there tomorrow at first daylight, and I will give you some food for you and... David.. in exchange for you helping around the estate...."

He reached into a saddle bag and grabbed a small loaf of bread wrapped in a cloth.

"Take this as a sign of my good will."

He handed it to her and walked past her to the other side of the market. There he mounted his horse again and rode full speed to the Cortez estate. He handed the reins to a servant and walked into the well known halls.

Ana-Lucia:

She heard a servant open the door, She ran through the corridors stopping before she turned the corner that led into his sight. She took a deep breath and strode around with her best lady like walk.

I hate this dress... I hate this dress

Smiling as she approached him. She stopped and curtsied

" Welcome m'lord " she extended him a hand

" Come, the cook has prepared us a delightful meal "

Sawyer

Smirking.

" In your dreams Master Ford."

Spuring the force onward, letting that sink in.

He took his horse to a full gallop and passed her. "No my dear lady, in your dreams." He ran passed her and jumped his horse over a log.

As he jumped the log, he lost his control over the horse and flew off the horse. His body rolled over several times and he finally came to a stop, laying on the forrest floor. His horse came back and nudged James with his snout.

James lifeless body lay there covered in dirt and leaves.

BooneAna-Lucia:
" Welcome m'lord "
" Come, the cook has prepared us a delightful meal "He bowed deep and graciously and took her hand, gently pressing his lips against it.

"Lovely milady... I must say you look astounding in that beautiful dress of yours..."

He loosened the clasp by his neck that kept the cape on and laid it on a chair. His white, ruffled shirt was amazingly enough spotless, despite his riding through the forest earlier. He bid the lady his arm and they walked to the table.

Kate

Watching in disbelief.

How many times has he done this for attention since we were children?

Sighing. Trotting over to him. Dismounting. Kneeling down next to him.

Removing several leaves from his nose and ears.

Sitting there. Raising an eyebrow.

Saying it in a monotone voice, of a person that has spoken a speech one too many times.

Sticking a piece of straw in her mouth, casually chewing on it. Staring off into the distance.

" Oh. My. Poor. Master. You. Must. Be. Terribly. Wounded. Won't. You. Please. Awaken?"

Sawyer

Sticking a piece of straw in her mouth, casually chewing on it. Staring off into the distance.

" Oh. My. Poor. Master. You. Must. Be. Terribly. Wounded. Won't. You. Please. Awaken?"

He opened his eyes. "How many times have I told you. With expression. With expression!" He said rolling his eyes. He stood up and pulled her up with him. They began to step toward the horses.

James grabbed her forearm and pulled her back. He quickly slipped an arm around her waist and kissed her softly, brushing her hair back with his thumb. He broke the kiss and let her go. "You weren't expecting that, were you?"

Ana-Lucia:


"Lovely milady... I must say you look astounding in that beautiful dress of yours..."


she blushed.. and thought about the expensive dress and how she hated how constricting it was, smiling bashfully she said

" thank-you m'Lord "

He loosened the clasp by his neck that kept the cape on and laid it on a chair. His white, ruffled shirt was amazingly enough spotless, despite his riding through the forest earlier. He bid the lady his arm and they walked to the table.

Taking her arm they walked to the banquet hall, a fire was going in thr hearth, and teh table was set with a feast.

She smiled and sat down, Looking at the one person she cared about and the one person she would never be able to be honest with. She feared if he knew, he wouldn't love her anymore. So she continued her facade, acting everything but her love for him.

" How have you fared of late, m' Lord ?"

she asked taking a sip of wine.

Kate

"You weren't expecting that, were you?"

Flushed and taking a step backwards. Spinning on a boot heel.

If only it meant something other than another set of lips.

Spinning back to face him.

" Expecting to get a mouthful of soil and leaves? No dear Sir that was not high on my agenda list. However might I suggest that we postpone all further romantic theatricals for the moment...in order that we may reach the Chateau Conesqua before nightfall, lest the we be caught by the wolves that roam freely ?"

Present company excluded.

Back up on the black horse.

Staring at him.

Wishing that she were not of the class status that would never truly belong to his people.

" So!"

Changing the subject to artfully avoid feeling the crushing sensation in her own heart.

" Who shall the lady target become? Lady Cortez perhaps? Where shall the next great adventure place us?"

Boone

His stomach growled with all the food that was placed on the table. It took all the self control that he had not to fill his hands and stuff his face. Instead he lifted his cup when she did to a toast, and sipped.Ana-Lucia:
" How have you fared of late, m' Lord ?"I can't tell her the state of things.. She'll think I am nothing but a fortune hunter...

"Well milady... The harvest was good. The cellars are full..."

That much was true. He didn't want to lie to her.

"And I ventured through the forest today, hunting, but the animals are good at hiding in this season, and hunting alone isn't an easy task. I did manage to take down a couple of wild rabbits though..."

He smiled at her.

"How about yourself milady?"

Ana-Lucia:

"Well milady... The harvest was good. The cellars are full..."she smiled at him, and nodded at his good news.

"And I ventured through the forest today, hunting, but the animals are good at hiding in this season, and hunting alone isn't an easy task. I did manage to take down a couple of wild rabbits though..."

He smiled at her.she had to resist a chuckle, she spent so much time in the forest with the animals, she almost could speak to them.. she knew they were extroadinarily intelligent, and fled long before many hunters arrived.

She gave a look of disappointment for his sake,

" I am sure you will be more successful, soon, many of teh animals are preparing for winter "

How about yourself milady?"
she smiled.. thinking of a believable excuse for her absence into the forest....

"I visited Northshire this week, the autum blooms are breathtaking there "

she smiled, and ate a bit of her quail

" my gardener tells me the orchard is very favorable this year, We will make a considerable profit from it "

she smiled at him continuing to eat her dinner.

Sawyer

" Expecting to get a mouthful of soil and leaves? No dear Sir that was not high on my agenda list. However might I suggest that we postpone all further romantic theatricals for the moment...in order that we may reach the Chateau Conesqua before nightfall, lest the we be caught by the wolves that roam freely ?"

Present company excluded.

Oh my love, don't lie to me, he thought. "I will take your suggestion, dear Kate. However, actions sometimes override suggestions." He flashed her the dimples. "Besides, I know. I saw it on your face when I left the Countess this morning.

" So!"

Changing the subject to artfully avoid feeling the crushing sensation in her own heart.

"So what?" he asked.

" Who shall the lady target become? Lady Cortez perhaps? Where shall the next great adventure place us?"

"First I wish to sell the deed to the ship, Countess Ballesari gave me. You know how difficult the times have been for the manor workers and this will help them. The little ones need clothes and shoes and I must do what I can to provide for them." He said. "After that, I can certainly see payin' a call on Lady Cortez." He said.

He gave Kate a wry smile. "We haven't robbed a coach in a while, how would you like to?"

BooneAna-Lucia:
" I am sure you will be more successful, soon, many of teh animals are preparing for winter""Well.. I didn't have much time today.. I was going to visit a beautiful lady..."

He smiled. Hunting had never been hard for him. He had his spots, miles away from town, where the animals were less frightened than right at the outskirts where he had been today. His skills with the bow and arrow were impeccable. Years of training as a kid, and later hunting with his dad had made him excellent at it.Ana-Lucia:
"I visited Northshire this week, the autum blooms are breathtaking there "
" my gardener tells me the orchard is very favorable this year, We will make a considerable profit from it ""It is a good thing we English like to drink... I will be selling a considerable amount of barrels with hop beer to the local taverns myself this fall."

He smiled at the thought.

"This food is amazing milady... my compliments to the cook."

Kate

" Ah yes, the young and the poor, a noble cause. I have heard the townsfolk gossip concerning Lady Cortez...They say she is simply about obtaining the local weaponry from all of the nobles. That she is self-serving and furthers none but her own cause. I do wonder if this might be of truth?"

Riding along...

" As to the coach...I shall have my pistols at the ready for you Master. Simply give the time and place, and I will have your back, as always."

Smirking.

" This time might I suggest remembering to bring your mask?"

Desmond

There was an odd sound, and then the sound of reverberating wood, about the same time that he went flinching backwards at the streak of motion in the corner of his eye, tripping over a tree root to hit the ground hard. He rolled back to his feet, pulling behind a tree - there was the fading sound of hoofbeats, but it took several minutes for him to creep out of the bushes and grab the purple-fletched arrow that had almost hit him.

The arrow had sank deep, and he had to yank hard to pulled it out of the tree. There was a scrap of parchment wrapped around the shaft, he untangled it with shaking hands and read the script there quickly.
Ana-Lucia:

Stranger,

You are in my forest. Should you cause any trouble I will not hesitate to kill thee.

~ L.V.

He re-read it several times, trying to figure out what to do now. Why is everyone so certain that I want to cause trouble? He slid the parchment into his pocket, and looked at the woods. They seemed to be fading; the dead leaves and cold chill in the air seemed to imply that winter was coming. He shivered and took a step further into the woods, almost expecting another arrow.

None came. He worked up the courage to take another step forward, and then he took off at a dead run into the woods, heart pounding in his ears. Gotta get somewhere safe, somewhere without arrows or Dukes or wolves - he shivered violently at that last thought, maybe the duke guy had been joking? - just to think...

He didn't know how long he'd ran. His racing would slow to a jog, and then to a walk, but new noises would send him running again, like a frightened rabbit. The sun was getting higher and higher, and there was a burning stitch in his side by the time anything brought him back to his thoughts.Frigid liquid splashed underfoot, and he jerked to a stop. He was on the edge of a swamp that spread out as far into the trees as he could see. There was a path through it - small, barely noticeable, but there. He looked over his shoulder, and stepped onto the path, following it until he came near a house...

And there he paused. There was something...strange about the house; even stranger than what was going on in the town not far behind him. He stood on the path, undecided whether he should try and seek refuge or not.

Ana-Lucia:Well.. I didn't have much time today.. I was going to visit a beautiful lady..."she blushed, he was such a charmer
It is a good thing we English like to drink... I will be selling a considerable amount of barrels with hop beer to the local taverns myself this fall."" thats is wonderful " she smiled as she finished of her dinner

This food is amazing milady... my compliments to the cook." " thank you dear sir, I have hired the best I could find, and of coarse, we got the best quality we could, having such a guest to visit. "

Standing up, as the servants cleared the table

" shall we go for a stroll in the garden?,"

__________________________________________________ ____________________________

Danielle:

She sensed the presence of someone in her swamp... she didn't recognize this presence. She stepped out and saw the man dressed in poor clothes, and waved him to her house.

She turned with a crooked smile on her face and invited him into her home,

" pleasseeee " she rasped " come in"

Sawyer

" Ah yes, the young and the poor, a noble cause. I have heard the townsfolk gossip concerning Lady Cortez...They say she is simply about obtaining the local weaponry from all of the nobles. That she is self-serving and furthers none but her own cause. I do wonder if this might be of truth?"

He listened to everything she had to say. She was always a fountain of intelligence for him. "Yes, I believe that could be of some use to us."

" As to the coach...I shall have my pistols at the ready for you Master. Simply give the time and place, and I will have your back, as always."

Smirking.

" This time might I suggest remembering to bring your mask?"

"Oh and when did I ever forget my mask. You forget that I could be executed for it. After all a knight is sworn by God, St. Michael and St. George to uphold the law." He said. "That said, I miss slippin' the rings off the noblewomen's fingers. A kiss on the hand seems to do wonders."

H grinned at her. "Oh and one more thing, dear Kate. I love it when you call me 'master'."

Ben

Ben thought for a moment, then waved dismissively.

"Not now. I may have need for you later in the day, but you're free to go for now..." He grabbed his inkwell and pen, preparing a fresh sheet of parchment and dismissing the herald from his mind as well. He had a busy day planned; meetings with the butcher, the head-guard, and the priest for tonight's festivities.

Jin:

But he wasn’t going to meet them in that order – the head-guard arrived first, out of order, liveried in muted earth-tones. He bowed, doffing his hat as he did before straightening back up, dark eyes scanning the room for anything amiss before he turned to the Duke. His dark eyes were respectful – or, at the very least, blank.

“Duke Linus...” Jin managed to keep the corners of his lips from turning upwards as he bowed again. “Your seneschal informed me I needed to meet with you.” As the words dropped from his mouth he allowed himself a small – very small – smile before stepping forward, once more upright; the words were without any accent.

Kate

Narrowing her eyes at him and his last comment. Arriving finally at the Chateau Conesqua.

Hopping down from her horse, waiting for him to dismount his own.

Holding the reins, refusing to continue that line of thought.

" Good for you."

She was tired...from the evening of lighting fires the nights before, and from his antics today.

" Will that be all?"

Desmond
Danielle:

" pleasseeee " she rasped " come in"

Desmond gulped. The woman on the porch was about as intimidating as her house, but out here, all there was was the woods and the swamp. He didn't really have much of a choice, so he made his way to the door, uncertain of what to do, or even say.

-----------------------------
Ben
Jin:
“Duke Linus...”
Ben lifted his head at the sound of his name. His new guard stood before him, respectfully. Ben nodded at him. I almost get the impression that he's trying not to laugh...

“Your seneschal informed me I needed to meet with you.”

Ben shoved the thought from his mind, nodding again, his attention returning to the parchment before him. "Indeed you do. I merely wished to ensure you and your men are prepaired for tonight's festivities..." His hand unconciously flicked a sign for good luck beneath the desktop. "I would rather you not make any mistakes, I've been hearing mad tales of late..." He set the pen down, raising his eyes to his guards. "I want the guards on the gates doubled."

-----------------------------
((OOC: Updated the first post with some important information. Be sure to read it, please.))

Danielle:

the man seemed hesitant, so she put on a welcoming smile..

" come in, come in" she walked inside.

closing the door behind him, she pointed to a chair near her fireplace and cauldron.


" how can I help you? "

BooneAna-Lucia:
" thank you dear sir, I have hired the best I could find, and of coarse, we got the best quality we could, having such a guest to visit. "
" shall we go for a stroll in the garden?,"He smiled at her and wiped his lips and his mustache.

"That sounds wonderful milady..."

He stood up from the table and offered her his hand, grabbing his cloak with the other.

"Allow me..."

Ana-Lucia:

He smiled at her and wiped his lips and his mustache.

"That sounds wonderful milady..."
she smiled back at him as she put on her thick fur cloak

He stood up from the table and offered her his hand, grabbing his cloak with the other.

"Allow me..."she took his arm and walked with him into the garden, a light snow was falling and the birds were chirping loudly.

She lost all train of thought when the bird she had gotten from the swamp witch appeared on a branch up ahead.

the bird was a special bird.. give the ability to hear & speak.. Ana had bought it from the witch to spy for her, to alert her to evil and foul plans. She wanted so badly to go to it and hear its news... but she would finish out her time with Boone first.

She looked out over her massive estate, the rolling fields, and her large garden, that faded into the orchard.

Smiling at him she sat on a bench along the path.

" It's beautiful " she said, seemingly about the garden but truly about the man she loved so very much.

Sawyer

Holding the reins, refusing to continue that line of thought.

" Good for you."

Something seemed to bother her. She had gotten quiet and he didn't understand why. They had teased and fought with each other like this since she had come to be with his family.

She was tired...from the evening of lighting fires the nights before, and from his antics today.

" Will that be all?"

"You don't have to stay with manor workers, you know? My parents are dead Kate. I don't think of you as one of them. You're my partner." He said. "Dinner is in 2 hours, will you have dinner with me?"

Desmond

Danielle:

the man seemed hesitant, so she put on a welcoming smile..

" come in, come in" she walked inside.

closing the door behind him, she pointed to a chair near her fireplace and cauldron.

Desmond stepped in after the woman, looking around the house, but feeling relieved that she hadn't shouted or anything. The chair looked as welcoming as her smile, and the fireplace was warm so he sat, warming his mud-and-blood covered bare feet at it, trying to get rid of the cold.


" how can I help you? "

Desmond looked up at her, still shivering, but managing a weak smile. "I jus' needed somewhere safe, ma'am..."

Danielle;


Looking at his bloodied feet and lack of proper clothes she concluded he had been banned from one of the nearby cities.

Desmond looked up at her, still shivering, but managing a weak smile. "I jus' needed somewhere safe, ma'am..."

She went to a shelf, and pulled down a small basin, a few vials of potion, a blanket, and a cloak.

Setting the basin down she filled it with water from her kettle, and poured a vial into it.

Stirring it she handed him the blanket and sat up and said

" soak you feet in there. " walking to her food cupboard

" you may stay here for the night... but I shall want to know what a northerner is doing out here in my bog.. so poorly dressed and with no shoes."

while talking she pulled out a loaf of bread and stirred the small pot of soup hanging on one of the many hooks over her fire.

Ben


Ben lifted his head at the sound of his name. His new guard stood before him, respectfully. Ben nodded at him. I almost get the impression that he's trying not to laugh...

Ben shoved the thought from his mind, nodding again, his attention returning to the parchment before him. "Indeed you do. I merely wished to ensure you and your men are prepaired for tonight's festivities..." His hand unconciously flicked a sign for good luck beneath the desktop. "I would rather you not make any mistakes, I've been hearing mad tales of late..." He set the pen down, raising his eyes to his guards. "I want the guards on the gates doubled."

Jin:

Jin straightened his gloves, nodding as he shifted his stance. "They will be doubled, sir."

He shifted again, looking at the other guards in the room, before waving them out the door. "Sir, do I have permission to change your guards how I see fit? I think some may be less than...trustworthy."

Oh, how Jin hoped he was permitted...it would be such a step forward in plans. Of course, he didn't tell that to the Duke. "For your safety."

Boone

He walked with her out into the beautiful garden. He wrapped the woolen cloak around himself, shivering in the cool air. He never let her notice though, but walked with her, picking her jokingly a bouquet of colorful maple leaves.

His cheeks became rosy in the snow, and he watched the white snow in her black hair.Ana-Lucia:
" It's beautiful ""Yes... you are..."

He blushed a little as he said it, further enhancing the red. Respectfully he held her hands and looked into her dark eyes.

"Thank you for a wonderful day, Lady Ana..."

Desmond
Danielle;

Looking at his bloodied feet and lack of proper clothes she concluded he had been banned from one of the nearby cities.

She went to a shelf, and pulled down a small basin, a few vials of potion, a blanket, and a cloak.

Setting the basin down she filled it with water from her kettle, and poured a vial into it.

Desmond watched her work quietly, trying to think up an explanation for all of this. For everything that was happening...somehow...This is going to be hard.


Stirring it she handed him the blanket and sat up and said

"soak your feet in there. " walking to her food cupboard

Desmond slid his feet into the water, trying to ignore the stabbing pain shooting through them. It felt so nice to be sitting, not running, with warmth surrounding him. He wrapped the blanket around his shoulders and hunched down, trying to conserve his warmth.

"you may stay here for the night... but I shall want to know what a northerner is doing out here in my bog.. so poorly dressed and with no shoes."

Desmond laughed, slightly, shaking his head. "I wish I knew how to answer tha', really I do...bu' I don't know myself, y'see..." He shrugged. "Somethin' happened, an' next thing I know I was in the middle o' tha' delightful lil town back there."


while talking she pulled out a loaf of bread and stirred the small pot of soup hanging on one of the many hooks over her fire.

He tried not to stare, but he hadn't eaten since...he couldn't remember the last time he'd had anything but whiskey. His stomach growled and he flushed, slightly. "Sorreh."

-----------------------------------------------

Ben
Jin
Jin straightened his gloves, nodding as he shifted his stance. "They will be doubled, sir."

Ben nodded, eyes drawn back to his parchment, listening to the rustle of fabric as Jin shifted. Jin was new, just hired by the King for this village. Something about him felt safe, but other parts....

"Sir, do I have permission to change your guards how I see fit? I think some may be less than...trustworthy. For your safety."

Ben's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn;t move his gaze from the parchement. "Within reason...I expect explanations. And I withhold the right to decline your changes." He looked up with a bland smile. "Just for now. Until we're used to one another." He waved a hand. "Send the next appointment in."

Ana-Lucia:

"Yes... you are..."


she blushed slightly, and stared backinto the blue eyes she loved so much,

He blushed a little as he said it, further enhancing the red. Respectfully he held her hands and looked into her dark eyes.


"Thank you for a wonderful day, Lady Ana..."

" Thank you m'lord " she leaned over and kissed him softly

__________________________________________________ _____________

Danielle:


She watched pleased as he slipped his feet into the mixture

Desmond laughed, slightly, shaking his head. "I wish I knew how to answer tha', really I do...bu' I don't know myself, y'see..." He shrugged. "Somethin' happened, an' next thing I know I was in the middle o' tha' delightful lil town back there."


"mhmmm" her mind raced.. perhaps he was... NOOO.. it couldnt be.. but maybe..

She pulled stirred teh soup adding a bit of spice to it

He tried not to stare, but he hadn't eaten since...he couldn't remember the last time he'd had anything but whiskey. His stomach growled and he flushed, slightly. "Sorreh."

Humming no particular tune she went to her shelf and got down two bowls, walking back to the hearth she served up some soup and tore the loaf of bread in half. She handed a bowl and some bread to the man with out saying a word to him.

She sat down in a chair adjacent to him

" So, stranger... what is your name? "

BooneAna-Lucia:
" Thank you m'lord " she leaned over and kissed him softlyHe was in heaven when she kissed him. He let his lips gently touch hers. They were so soft, so beautiful. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment, lingering as long as he could in the kiss. His hand touched her cheek and he pulled her close.

"Oh milady... I am so blessed to be favored so much by you...."

He loved her. He just didn't want to intrude upon her. He slowly leaned back out and smiled at her, somewhat seductively.

"I do hope we will be able to do this again, milady..."

His voice was hopeful as he looked at her.

"I must get back to my sister now... but you shall be in my thoughts..."

He grabbed her hand and kissed it.

Desmond
He took one of the bowls gratefully, and the bread, trying to be polite at the same time as he tore into the food hungrily, watching warily as she moved into the seat next to his.


Danielle
"So, stranger... what is your name? "


He chewed and swallowed the bread that was in his mouth before answering, quickly.

"I'm Desmond." His voice dropped. "Thank you."

Ana-Lucia:
He was in heaven when she kissed him. He let his lips gently touch hers. They were so soft, so beautiful. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment, lingering as long as he could in the kiss. His hand touched her cheek and he pulled her close.

"Oh milady... I am so blessed to be favored so much by you...."

He loved her. He just didn't want to intrude upon her. He slowly leaned back out and smiled at her, somewhat seductivelySmiling back at him, she said

" We are both blessed to have found such a love "

"I do hope we will be able to do this again, milady..."

His voice was hopeful as he looked at her." Most Certainly,"

"I must get back to my sister now... but you shall be in my thoughts..."

He grabbed her hand and kissed it.Wishing he could linger but awhile longer, she nodded and said

" go in peace M'lord" and walked him to the stable where his horse was tied up.

She watched him ride off into the distance, as soon as he was out of sight she darted back to her garden to where her bird was.

" what news? "

-------------------------------
Bird:

" a knight & squire have made foul plans to rob a coach, and a murderer has escaped the knights near Bromshire,"

-------------------------------------------------

" which knight??" she asked in futile attempts..

The bird was never descriptive.. only general, damn that swamp witch

She raced to her quarters and changed back into the riding pants she loved.

She tucked her hair inside a hooded cloak and put on her mask.

Gathering her bow, and new set of arrows with bright purple feathers

she went down to her stable and mounted her horse.

Tonight.. She would Hunt.

__________________________________________

Danielle:

The Stranger seemed very hungry, he ate like he hadn't in many days.

I'm Desmond." His voice dropped. "Thank you."

she smiled and nodded at him. Looking down at his feet.. the potion was working.. she grinned inside

" how do your feet feel?...Desmond "

Desmond
Danielle:
" how do your feet feel?...Desmond"

He frowned, slightly, twirling the last remains of the broth in his bowl before soaking it up with his bread. There was something very odd...why can't I move my feet...? He hurried to look down, eyes widening at what he saw. There were vines growing through the warm water, wrapping around his feet and ankles...he looked at the woman, confused. "Uh. What...?"

Danielle:

Grinning in malicious delight as the potion began turning his feet into roots.

She turned to a window and wrote a message to the Duke on some paper and attached it to a carrier pigeon.

||| I have him. He wont be going anywhere anytime soon.-D |||

the pigeon took off and the potion she has slipped into his soup began to take its desired effect of making him drowsy.

She stared laughing a laugh of insanity.. as the roots crawled over the edge of the basin planting themselves into the the ground beneath her thin plank floor.

" it has only begun " she stared at him delighted in her work.

May I take Walt? :)

May I take Walt? :)

((Sure. :) ))

____________________________________
Desmond

....bloody brilliant, Desmond. And you trusted her...why, again? Desmond opened his mouth to say something - anything - but whatever he'd been planning on saying fuzzed out with the rest of his thoughts as his eyes rolled back in his head and he went limp, collapsing against the back of the chair.

" it has only begun " was the last thing he heard.

____________________________________

Ben

Ben was still waiting for his next appointment when he saw the bird land outside his window. He just blinked, making a note to check on the messenger birds as soon as he got out of his meetings. He looked at the list on his desk. He needed to meet with the butcher next...

Walt

Walt stopped currying the horse and peered out of his stable. The master was dozing. Grinning, he dropped the brush and tip-toed out so that he wouldn't wake him up.

He spotted a large manor quite a few strides away from the marketplace. He ran over and stared up at its vastness. Grinning, he climbed the fence. Who needed to be a stableboy now? This place was big enough to live in and not be noticed.

He was so eager he nearly bumped into the door leading inside the manor. Smiling, he opened the door a peep and slipped in easily with his thin body. He looked around him and pretended to be one of the servants there.

Now I need to act like a high-class snob...

Claire

Returning to the Duke Benjamin's manor, where Claire had been sent to stay, she dismissed her handmaidens. They gave the princess a bow before turning to head to their quarters.

Still not completely used to this place, Claire would wander through the many corridors, trying to see everything and remember where everything was. She would walk by open doors with men inside doing business, but they never really took notice of her. She had no idea how long she was staying, it she thought it would be best to memorize the place she was staying at.

Charlie

Charlie stood in the market place playing his lute. His hat lay on the ground at his feet, and as he plucked the strings of his instrument and sang, his eyes pleaded with people to put a few coins in his hat.

He watched the rich and the poor pass him by, and sighed as he finished his song. Not one person in the market place had taken any notice, and so he had no coins. He picked up his hat and placed it back on head. With his lute under his arm, he walked through the market place, his stomach growling at all the food on the stalls. He stopped at a stall full of bread. He couldn't remember the last time he had eaten. His hand made a move to take a loaf, and he got ready to run, when he stopped suddenly. He remembered the penalty for thieving. Death. And he did not want to come to blows with Duke Linus, he was sure to lose. So, stomach still growling, he walked away, head bowed.

He remembered the time when he was one of the most celebrated Minstrels in the land. He was always playing at the rich peoples manors and castles, he even played at the palace once. He had loved to play and sing while he watched the rich damce and laugh, but no one wanted music anymore. He didn't know what had changed, but suddenly he had found himself out on the street, his playing becoming begging. And no doubt Duke Linus would outlaw begging soon, and then where would he be?

He had walked a little way out of the market place, onto a busy street. He took hhis hat off and put it at his feet. He leant against the wall, and played one of the songs from the old days, when things had been so much better.
100%
Shannon

Shannon sat in the great hall of the mansion, huddled up against the cold. She looked out of the window down towards the town, waiting for Boone to get home. She wanted to light a fire in the huge grate, or even in the small one in her bedroom, but she had been informed they were not to light fires until it was too cold to bear, in order to save money. She was furious. Was she to freeze? Did she have to remind Boone that she was in fact still a noblewoman?

She pulled her one remaining fur closer around herself. Boone had sold the others in exchange for food. She was still angry about that, she refused to believe that they had that little money. They still had their lands after all.

The truth was, she resented her brother. Ever since their parents had died, they had become quite poor, and Boone was not able to look after Shannon the way her father had. When she had wanted a new dress made of the finest silk, she had got it. When she wanted a new fur, or exotic foods from abroad, she had got it. But Boone could not do that for her. Deep down she knew it was not his fault that the money was gone, but that did not matter. She refused to believe there was nothing left, and she blamed Boone entirely for her enforced poverty.

What she wanted was a rich handsome Duke or King or Lord to come and whisk her away, somewhere she would want for nothing once again. But she knew that would not happen anytime soon. Not while she only had a limited number of dresses, and was reduced to wearing the same one to more than one social occassion. People would work out sooner or later that there was no money for her dowry, and she would die a spinster.

She pulled the fur tighter around her body and strained to see if Boone was coming back yet.

Kate

Originally posted by Lisagwilkins
Sawyer
"You don't have to stay with manor workers, you know? My parents are dead Kate. I don't think of you as one of them. You're my partner." He said. "Dinner is in 2 hours, will you have dinner with me?"


Ankle deep in mud and horse manure, feeling it seep into the hole in her riding boot, and soak her woven woolen sock.

Closing her eyes in disgust, and turning to him.

" I am no 'partner' to you. The townsfolk as well as your parents, dead or no...Have made that emphatically clear. "

Already beginning to walk towards the stables, getting nuzzled by the black horse, and patting him.

Calling over her shoulder. Breath beginning to form mist in front of her from the cold early winter air.

" Your offer is appreciated..."

Although not believed.

" I much prefer to be in my own home, such as it may be. Good night."

BooneAna-Lucia:
" We are both blessed to have found such a love "
" Most Certainly,"
" go in peace M'lord"He kissed her hand once again respectfully, and then he elegantly got into the saddle of his beautiful stallion, deciding to ride around town this time to avoid the open market.

"I shall see you soon Milady..."

Then he rode off, robe whisking around him in the wind, making him even colder than he already was.

He had to stop half way home, wrapping the robe tightly around himself and just heating up for a few minutes before moving on. When he finally got home he saw no smoke from the chimney and remembered to his own annoyance that he had forbidden making any fires.

Well.. that's all done as of tonight... It's too cold not to have a fire now...

Even the servants' quarters looked warmer and nicer. They had a fire going, and laughter and music came from the little house where they all lived together.

He dried off the horse and put it in the stable, not wanting to bother anyone with that task. Then he grabbed as much wood as he could carry in his arms and went inside, finding his sister almost symbolically close to the empty fireplace.

"Good evening sister... I am going to set a fire now... How has your day been?"

He quickly stocked the fire in the fireplace, and used the flint to create sparks and get the fire going.

Ana-Lucia:


Riding through the forest along the hidden paths she knew so well, she couldn't help but think about Sir Boone. His kiss lingered on her lips, and she wished even more she could be honest with him.. but she never could be.. he wouldn't understand.

She continued to ride. She would spend the night out here.. where she loved to be.

Sawyer

" I am no 'partner' to you.

"The hell you aren't. You're just as much of part of my life as I am of yours." Go ahead, dear Kate, lie to yourself.

"The townsfolk as well as your parents, dead or no...Have made that emphatically clear. "

"My parents are dead and the townsfolk don't own this manor and they certainly don't have the money that I do." He said.

Calling over her shoulder. Breath beginning to form mist in front of her from the cold early winter air.

" Your offer is appreciated..."

Although not believed.

" I much prefer to be in my own home, such as it may be. Good night."

"Fine, then scram!!" He called. "I'll not spend my evenin' worryin' about you!" Like hell I won't, he thought. Dammit why does she have to insist on bein' treated like a servant!

He hardly touched his dinner. James hated Kate staying out there with the manor workers. She was perfectly safe, he just didn't like it. Such are the perils of bein' in love, he thought.

James stood at the window and looked down. He could see the little hut Kate lived in and it made him sad to think that she was down there in a grass house while he was basically in a castle.

He walked out the front and to the stables. With making as little noise as he could, he saddled his horse and rode out into the forrest. He needed to think, to clear his head and to be where he could settle his mind.

Walt

Walt couldn't resist it. After wondering around aimlessly through the large manor, he followed the smell of food into the kitchen. Lowering himself to his knees, he crawled under the kitchen table and reached a scrawny hand up, closing it around a piece of cheese.

"Hey, you! What do you think you're doing?!"

Walt looked up, wide-eyed.

Uh-oh...

Libby

Boone

"Your... cat..."

She nodded at the man, continuing to pet the cat gingerly. Her eyes, however, were not on him but on his cape. That bright, brilliant blue cape... she didn't notice it, but her mouth was parted slightly.

"Yes'ir." she said, nodding. "My cat, 'is name is David... and he is awfully 'ungry sir..>"

"My dear ma'am... do you know where the Carlyle estate is? Meet me there tomorrow at first daylight, and I will give you some food for you and... David.. in exchange for you helping around the estate...."

Libby finally looked up at the man, mouth still parted slightly, as the words he uttered raced through her mind. Carlyle estate... the Carlyle estate... She nodded, having a vague sense of knowing where it was. She may not seem it, but she was smart. Smarter than the average "crazy" that roamed the streets.

"Of course I do sir, who doesn't?"

It was only then did she notice he was pulling out a small loaf of bread wrapped in cloth. Her mouth began to salivate at the look at it.

"Take this as a sign of my good will."

She slowly reached forward, touching it, and then grabbed it from his grasps. The shoe was balanced in the crook of her elbow, and she didn't let it drop. Without another glance at him, she hurried from the busy streets, sitting against one of the house's walls, and began to tear into the load of bread. She offered a few crumbs to the shoe, and then sprinkled them inside. She continued eating, humming to herself...

Maybe this man would give her some bread tomorrow if she came to his estate. He seemed awfully nice...

Libby just ate her food, humming softly, content with a full stomach.

Walt

Before Walt knew it he had been chased out into the forest, falling flat onto his bum.

"And stay out!" The cook yelled after him, turning away and walking out.

Walt looked around and gawked. The cook must be stupid - he had chased Walt out into the forest on the Cortez estate. What a fool.

Walt stood up slowly. He could be like a ranger...a ranger that roamed the forest! This would be his forest! Humming, he strode through the forest. Little did he know that nearby was Ana, riding through the forest...

Boone
"Good evening sister... I am going to set a fire now... How has your day been?"

He quickly stocked the fire in the fireplace, and used the flint to create sparks and get the fire going.

Shannon threw Boone the dirtiest look she could muster as he walked into the room and set up a fire.

"My day has been cold, dearest brother." She replied. As the fire crackled into life she slipped off her chair and sank down beside it, thankful for the heat.

After a few minutes silence Shannon could control herself no longer.

"Where have you been all day, Boone? I have been cold and hungry, and I need new furs. You must raise my allowance, Brother!" Shannon whined.

Ben

Ben nodded, eyes drawn back to his parchment, listening to the rustle of fabric as Jin shifted. Jin was new, just hired by the King for this village. Something about him felt safe, but other parts....

Jin was never comfortable when people stayed silent for so long, so he masked it by looking down at the floor, quietly waiting for the Duke's answer to his question.

Ben's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't move his gaze from the parchement. "Within reason...I expect explanations. And I withhold the right to decline your changes." He looked up with a bland smile. "Just for now. Until we're used to one another." He waved a hand. "Send the next appointment in."

He bowed low as he exited the room, pulling the door shut behind himself - within reason, he could do. He could do so really well without drawing attention - just a few people here and there in what would seem like meaningless positions. Jin looked up, pulling his gloves off.

"He's ready for his next appointment."

--------


Returning to the Duke Benjamin's manor, where Claire had been sent to stay, she dismissed her handmaidens. They gave the princess a bow before turning to head to their quarters.

Still not completely used to this place, Claire would wander through the many corridors, trying to see everything and remember where everything was. She would walk by open doors with men inside doing business, but they never really took notice of her. She had no idea how long she was staying, it she thought it would be best to memorize the place she was staying at.



Sun:


Sun had followed Claire back into the manor, having just returned from an evening ride in the surrounding countryside. She gathered up her skirts, barefeet silent on the cold stone floor despite the rush mats as she caught up wth the blonde.


She coughed slightly, reaching out to tap Claire on the shoulder gently as she tilted her head to the side. "Are you lost? Do you need help finding your way somewhere?"

Ana-Lucia:


Walking through the forest she spotted a small boy walking around, wondering what he was doing, she decided to have some fun. The legend of La Venganza was quite rampant among children,

She pulled her bow back with one arrow in it and released it striking tree just near his head, Watching in delight to see how he would react to the purple feathers signifying La Venganza.

She pulled her bow back with one arrow in it and released it striking tree just near his head, Watching in delight to see how he would react to the purple feathers signifying La Venganza.

Walt stared at the purple feathers sticking out of the tree. Everything formed in his mind. The legends he had heard while he was being a stable boy...

**FLASHBACK**

Walt curried the horse wearily as two travellers rode in, both men. One of them slid off his horse and snickered. "I remember this town - if I remember properly the children all run around screaming about La Venganza."

Walt looked up, interested. Except for me, that is.

"There's a kid - hey, you - d'you know of La Venganza?" the man asked.

"No, sir - all I know is about horses," Walt replied humbly, bowing his head slightly in respect.

The man grinned. "Well, if you ever take a stroll in the woods, watch out...purple feathers...remember that."

**END OF FLASHBACK**

Walt blinked at the purple feathers. It was kind of hard to be scared when all the man had told him was to beware of purple feathers. He leaned forward and brushed his fingers against the feathers and smiled. This would make a good head-dress.

Claire

She turned around as she felt someone tap her shoulder. She glanced over then shook her head. "No," she told the woman, "I'm fine. I wander these halls many times." She hadn't seen this woman yet, but then again, Claire hadn't been staying there long. So far she had met Duke Linus and a few more of his servents, if that's what one could call them.

"I actually know my way around quite well. I just feel more comfortable if I'm very much known with my surroundings." She told this woman. She didn't need to explain herself, but she had. In this manor, she was acknowledged as the Princess she really was, but only inside these walls.

John Locke

He closed up his shop early that day, after getting a letter from the duke asking him to come and meet with him. Locke wasn't exactly sure why he wanted to be seen, he had gotten his meat request, what more did Ben want? But Locke knew not to go against the man, so he just closed early and left for the duke's castle. It was a nice walk, although he passed some of the town's miscreants as he did so.

When he arrived at the castle, he told the gaurd why he was there, and he led him inside. Locke looked around as he walked, feeling an odd sense of forbodding, but found himself quickly outside of the door to the duke's meeting room. He knocked, pushing open the door, and saw Ben inside.

"Hello Duke Ben..." he said, bowing his head. "What is the service you request of me?"

He did not like bowing to this man, someone he hardly knew.

BooneShannon
"My day has been cold, dearest brother."He felt a sting of bad conscience. Had he been too hard on her? Sure she was an intolerable brat, but she was still his sister and he had to take care of her. After all, he didn't want her to freeze to death.

"Well... You'll be pleased to hear then, that as of today, this fire will be kept going at all times..."Shannon
"Where have you been all day, Boone? I have been cold and hungry, and I need new furs. You must raise my allowance, Brother!" Shannon whined.He raised an eyebrow and looked at her.

"Have the servants been mean to you today again? Yes, we are poor, but you're not supposed to starve.. are they ignoring your orders, sister dear? I specifically told them to make a nice warm lunch for you..."

He came and sat next to her in a chair, pulling his blue, woolen cape around him.

"Shannon.. I was hunting today... brought home another two fine rabbits with their white winter skin.. another five or six now, and I'll go to the furrier and trade with one of his fine, white winter furs for you... I can't raise your allowance, simply because there's nothing to raise it with..."

He smiled bitterly. The winters that had gone by since their parents were wiped out along with hundreds of others just in that area had been hard on them both. It was only this past year that they had managed to end the year with more than what they started with, but he wouldn't give her false hopes, not yet... He was just happy that all sheds and storages were filled to the brim. Their livestock was also larger this winter, and he felt confident that he had enough food for them to sustain until spring.

"Would you like for me to get Martha to fix you up something warm for supper?"

Ben

John Locke

"Hello Duke Ben..." he said, bowing his head. "What is the service you request of me?"

He did not like bowing to this man, someone he hardly knew.

Ben noted the respectful bow with a small, quiet smile and a nod of his own head.

"John Locke. Just the man I needed to see." He stood up, moving to the windowsill where the bird had landed earlier, gathering it inside with a smile that John couldn't see, since his back was turned.

The smile vanished when he moved to face John, stroking the pigeon's back. "Don't worry, nothing's wrong." He worked the note loose before letting the bird hop back onto the windowsill. "I wanted to speak to you about taking a position here at the manor. I've heard great things about you. Surely you want more than to be a simple butcher." He looked down at the note in his hand. The writing was easily recognizable.

Danielle:
||| I have him. He wont be going anywhere anytime soon.-D |||


He flipped the paper over, picking up his pen again, talking as he wrote. "I have need of an extra pair of eyes," He said. "These are trying times, and you seem a good man."

Very good, he wrote, Keep him there. I want to know where he is from, what he is doing here. I'll be there for him tomorrow. Tomorrow was no longer a holy day; he wouldn't need to worry tomorrow. Fingers tried to twitch into the good-luck sign, but he stopped himself since John was there. Finally he looked up, face still calm, smile almost kind.

"I trust you know something about knives?"

__________________________________________________ __________

Desmond

Desmond stirred in his drugged unconciousness, eyes heavy. Something was wrong, his mind was telling him, but he couldn't do a thing about it. Images were flashing through his mind, images of blades and fangs, crows and nooses - he caught the image of another man he knew from before - a younger man, boyish and cheerful...Charlie? That name seemed right - facing off against the man who had him earlier. There was an arguement of some sort - the flash of an axeblade and his vision went red....

Kate

While he shouted, she had simply closed the door, latching it from the inside, with the large wooden sliding lock. Sighing and leaning against it for a moment, then sitting down on the small stool next to it. Pulling on the boot heel till her feet popped free. Staring at the mournful sock filled with mud and manure.

Peeling the pair off. Wondering foolishly, if it would be worth attempting to darn them...Alas she had no spinning wheel or loom. That had been long put out of her mind, till this moment. Sitting by her Mother's side, so very young, learning how to place the pieces of scrap fabric together, to form curtains for their small home. So long ago...Long before he came along...Long before the Dragon...and The Fords.

Now she created a fire and promptly tossed them in, watching them curl up and burn as easily as the wooden thatched roofs of the villages.

Making herself a bowl of leftover stew from her larder she sat by the fire and ate silently, picking out a weevil, tossing it over her shoulder for good luck. Looking at the riding boots still slumped in a heap by the door.

Sighing.

" I shall have to pay a visit to the undertaker on the morrow for a new pair."

Ben
"Not now. I may have need for you later in the day, but you're free to go for now..."

Hurley

Bowing slightly he turned to leave the room. I should have enough time to do those errands for my mother he thought as he handed the scroll to one of the servants to be put away.

He left the castle and went to the town square to buy a few things that his mother needed. It was about lunchtime when he finished. He went to his mother's house to drop things off and, becuase she insisted and wouldn't take no for an answer, have a little lunch.

She lived between the village ouside the castle of Duke Linus and one of the villages that was burnt down by the rogue dragon.

'So ma, how has everyone been doing out here, you know, with recovering from the fires?' he asked while helping her set the table 'Okay. most lost their homes, but people have been helping each other rebuild, and I have helped with giving out meals. I am glad that I live out here a ways, otherwise we would not be having lunch under our own roof'

She then started talking about some rumours that had been spreading about the rogue dragon who had started the fires. It was being said that this dragon worked for someone; either Duke Linus himself or someone else of power who had an agenda. Other people thought the dragon was just bored and wanted something to do.

-------

It was half past 2 o'clock when he arrived back at the castle. While walking inside he thought to himself The Dutchess will definitely want to hear about those rumours

Sawyer

He rode into the little village and tied his horse in front of the pub. He walked in and sat down in a chair at a small table.

"James!!" She exclaimed.

"Hello Elvira." He said softly. She snaked herself into his arms and onto his lap.

"Can I bring you some ale?" She asked.

"Yes, m'dear, yes you can." He said, watching her walk away. He took a deep breath as she walked away. He looked around at the various people that were there. He always liked coming here. He didn't always like that he was of the upper class and he didn't always like being a knight and this time, he wanted to hide it.

"Here's your ale?" She said throwing her leg over him and straddling his hips. She leaned over and kissed him.

"Hmm, always count on you for a kiss, Vi." he said softly, his hand slipping up from her waist to her shoulders.

"You can count on me for lovin' too James." She cooed.

"I know." He drank his ale as she sat there across his legs.

"It's Kate again, isn't it?" She looked at him.

"Why do you say that? Am I that transparent." He said.

"Yes, you are." She smiled. "James, you're a knight. I know you love her, but..."

"I know what you're gonna say, Vi." James said.

"It won't do you any good James, to love a woman who won't love you." She said.

"Yea, well, it's time for me to get home." He said.

Elvira slid off him and stood back up. "Take care James." James kissed her cheek. "Good night Vi."

James got back on his horse and rode back to the manor. He trotted slowly passed Kate's house and stopped. He dismounted his horse as he saw the candle light in the window. He tried to think of a reason to knock on the door. But this time he didn't. He would have sold his soul to the devil himself to go in right now, but he climbed up on his horse and snapped the reins. "Ya!!!" he yelled and rode back to the stable.

Boone "Well... You'll be pleased to hear then, that as of today, this fire will be kept going at all times..."He raised an eyebrow and looked at her.

"Have the servants been mean to you today again? Yes, we are poor, but you're not supposed to starve.. are they ignoring your orders, sister dear? I specifically told them to make a nice warm lunch for you..."

"Well, they didn't." Shannon said bitterly, warming her hands by the fire.


He came and sat next to her in a chair, pulling his blue, woolen cape around him.

"Shannon.. I was hunting today... brought home another two fine rabbits with their white winter skin.. another five or six now, and I'll go to the furrier and trade with one of his fine, white winter furs for you... I can't raise your allowance, simply because there's nothing to raise it with..."

Shannon stayed resentfull silent while he spoke. True, the thought of another fur did cheer her slightly, but then he reminded her once again of their poorness. It was an embarressment to her, and she hated hearing it spoken out louds, always afraid that someone might overhear. She did not trust the servants not to gossip with other servants, and she was sure that all the poor and rich alike were talking about her and her brother behind their backs.

"Would you like for me to get Martha to fix you up something warm for supper?"

"No, I am no longer hungry." Shannon said sullenly. "Where have you been all evening?"

Danielle:

It had been several hours, and Desmond was fully drugged.

The pigeon returned with a note, opening she read:

Very good, he wrote, Keep him there. I want to know where he is from, what he is doing here. I'll be there for him tomorrow.

she smiled to herself, this task would fetch her a nice reward

she didn't think she would have anymore visitors today but to be safe she pulle dthe man into her bedroom and locked the door.


" there's no way out, so dont try "


She continued eating her soup by the fire.

__________________________________________________ _____________

Ana-Lucia:

She had been riding for awhile and hadn't spotted the murderer or a coach robbery..

I hate that bird

She turned around to go home, she had to take 3 flats of her wine to Bronshire tomorrow.

She arrived back at her house, and stabled her horse. Walking up to her chambers by the back entrance, she changed back into a simple dress, and went downstairs to meet the herald who would soon arrive, he would have her weekly gossip.

perhaps she could find out about more men needing to be rid of...

Walt

Walt looked towards the manor. If only...just a bit of food...then I'll be gone again...

He crept into the manor from the backdoor and eyed the kitchen door warily. He tip-toed in and grabbed a few pastries and crept back out again. He looked upstairs...If there was a loft or an attic...anything...he could hide there...

He started off upstairs.

Ana-Lucia:


Walking around her manor waiting for the herald to arrive,She wrote out a note to make arrangements for he coach trip to Bronshire tomorrow, She had her servants polish the coach and bathe the horses to be ready, and had them load the wine into it, she would leave at first light.

Boone

He was angry, very angry that yet again the servants were mean to his sister. He had given a very firmly set of instructions, and they weren't followed, so now the servants would need to be punished. They were bound to his estate by legal contracts. They were called voluntary contracts, but in his heart he knew that these poor people didn't really have a choice but to enter them if they wanted to survive.

Either the in-staff needs a whipping, or a day without food...or outdoor work... Something like that..

He determined to decide punishment later.
"No, I am no longer hungry." Shannon said sullenly. "Where have you been all evening?""I told you, Shannon... Lady Cortez invited me to dinner at her estate..."

He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks.

"We were discussing... crops...."

Getting up abruptly and going to the door, calling for a handyman to collect more wood from the shed and keep the fire going. Then he went back to Shannon.

"Are you sure you are not... hungry??"

((I<3RP, we'll assume Rose is Ana's housekeeper. :D))


Rose

Walt

Walt looked towards the manor. If only...just a bit of food...then I'll be gone again...

He crept into the manor from the backdoor and eyed the kitchen door warily. He tip-toed in and grabbed a few pastries and crept back out again. He looked upstairs...If there was a loft or an attic...anything...he could hide there...

He started off upstairs.


Rose had only ever known herself as Rose. She'd always lived here, trained by her mother in the ways of housekeeping. After her mother had passed on, she had remained, sworn to honor this household.

She hummed to herself as she folded the linens she'd had the washer girls clean that morning, prepairing to store the lighter colors of summer for the somber, thicker curtains of wintertime.

Her ears were sharp from keeping track of her own children, though they were all grown now, and it took no time for her to recognize the tell-tale footstps of someone tiptoing up the stairs. She smiled to herself, piling the linens on the floor next to the cupboard, and just continued folding, watching the stairs with half an eye.

"I can hear you, child, there's no reason to be sneaky."

Sawyer

James put his horse in the stable. He took the saddle down and placed it on the side of the stable stall and walked toward the manor. This time temptation got the best of him and he knocked on the door to Kate's house.

"Kate?" He called. "I have an idea for our next business transaction." He hoped she'd at least hear him out and this one would be fun, a lot of fun. They would leave for their usual spot at first light, that is if she were by his side, otherwise he wouldn't do it.

Ana-Lucia:


Walking around her manor waiting for the herald to arrive,She wrote out a note to make arrangements for he coach trip to Bronshire tomorrow, She had her servants polish the coach and bathe the horses to be ready, and had them load the wine into it, she would leave at first light.



Hurley

After making sure that he still wasn't needed at the castle for anything, he left for the Dutchess Ana's estate. Everybody thought he just went to the Dutchess's estate once a week to pick up the Duke's favourite wine,but he also went to share gossip and news with the Dutchess, who was one of his closest friends.

Arriving at the estate he waited in the front room for the Dutchess to arrive.

Ana-Lucia:


She sent one of her messengers to answer the door, and watched her dear friens Hugo enter.

" Sir Hugo, welcome " she smiled warmly, she snapped and had her servants place 5 bottles of their finest wine on his horses carriage.

"Come, what news friend? "

she would take not\e of all the names of the evil doers.. La Venganza was always busy after Hugo's visits.

After hearing his news, she hugged him and sent him off with the wine.

Mind racing over all the information she had been giving, she went up to her chambers and slipped into a night gown. She had to get up early and deliver the wine. She always liked to do this personally, to insure it got into the proper hands.

Sinking into her pillow she fell into a peaceful sleep
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

||OOC|| Starry Palm Tree cant get in for awhile so im gunna act like hurley already told me, she is ok with it ||

John Locke

Ben

"John Locke. Just the man I needed to see."

Locke raised his head and stared at the man as he stood, moving to the window. It was then he did something, but what exactly, John could not see. So he just stood there, glad he had left his bloody apron behind, his hands respectively behind his back. He knew he did not like this man in an instant. And for some odd reason, he had the urge to put his hands around Duke Ben's neck then behind his back.

But where did this sudden hatred come from? He had never seen this man is his life. There was just something... unfamiliar with him... something he did not like. Ben was as much as a stranger to him as any random person, but this strangness was different somehow.

Ben turned, a forwn on his face, as if he could read John's thoughts. He was stroking a pigeon, the thing he had caught at the windowsill.

"Don't worry, nothing's wrong." He worked the note loose before letting the bird hop back onto the windowsill. "I wanted to speak to you about taking a position here at the manor. I've heard great things about you. Surely you want more than to be a simple butcher."

"Well, Duke Ben... I..."

But something cut him off. A sort of... gut feeling that told him to just shut his trap and go along with what the duke was saying. So he did, and he looked up, locking eyes with the man.

"I have need of an extra pair of eyes," He said. "These are trying times, and you seem a good man."

"Yessir." he said, nodding, wondering what exactly Ben had planned for him. Was it a simple guard duty? Was he asking for him to be his body guard?

"I trust you know something about knives?"

"Yessir, I've been using knives all my life... ever since I was a wee lad living with my dad. He was the town's butcher long before I even came along, and he passed his trade onto me. Everything he knew, I know, and that is a lot of information, yessir. I can probably make out every knife that is known to man 'round these here parts."

Boone

"I told you, Shannon... Lady Cortez invited me to dinner at her estate..."

He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks.

"We were discussing... crops...."

Shannon looked at him sharply. Oh yes, I remember now, you were to go to a feast at the Cortez manor, while I was to sit here freezing and hungry, being ignored by own servants.

Shannon said nothing as she saw Boone redden, and get up quickly.


Getting up abruptly and going to the door, calling for a handyman to collect more wood from the shed and keep the fire going. Then he went back to Shannon.

"Are you sure you are not... hungry??"

"No, I am not hungry, brother." Shannon said, a sulk evident in her voice. She was angry at her brother for leaving her here while he went out and probably ate more in this one night than she had on a month.

She got up to leave. "I am tired, brother, I m going to retire early."

She moved towards the door and called for her handmaid. After three calls, Shannon went red. It was one thing to ignore her while her brother was not in, but another entirely to embarress her completely. She felt that Boone thought she was incapable of handling servants, when in truth she despised them and they despised her. The entire household ignored her, thinking her to be no more than a spoilt brat.

She looked over and saw Boone watching her. Embarressed beyond normal, her eyes filled with tears.

"No matter," She said, her voice wavering. "I can undress myself. Goodnight brother."

Shannon ran out of the room and away to her quarters. She struggled with her dress for a few moments, unable to take it off herself, and finally gave up and lay on the bed, tears flowing freely now.

If only Father was here, he would never allow me to be treated like this.

BooneShannon
She got up to leave. "I am tired, brother, I m going to retire early."
"No matter," She said, her voice wavering. "I can undress myself. Goodnight brother""Wait..."

She had already left. He sighed deeply and went out to the kitchens where the staff on duty were supposed to be stationed. They were sitting there, idly preparing beans and potatoes for the next day's dinner.

"WHAT IS THIS? DID YOU NOT HEAR LADY SHANNON CALLING!??!?"

He boomed at them in a thunderous voice. Pointing at the handmaiden then.

"YOU! You're going up there to help her right this instant! I don't want to hear any fuss!"

Then he approached Mrs. Arby, the cook.

"You and me are going to have a long and nice chat tomorrow concerning following orders given to you... You are to go to the pig pen tomorrow morning and send Mrs. Burroughs in your place in here."

He watched as the handmaiden ran upstairs, and the truth finally sunk in with Mrs. Arby.

Satisfied he gave them another huff and went back to sit by the fireplace.

Shannon

Shannon heard a knock on the door and sat up quickly wiping her eyes as she saw her handmaiden enter the room. Boone must have said something...

She turned to the servant. "That took a long time," She said coldly. "Help me get this off, then get out of my sight until tomorrow morning."

Shannon sat silently as her handmaiden undid her dress, a little roughly, but Shannon was not in the mood to argue anymore.

Once Shannon was in her nightclothes, she slipped between the bedsheets, ignoring her maids offer to brush her hair. SHe dismissed her, but the maid hovered by the door, clearly afraid to be scolded by Boone for leaving her.

She looked at the maid. "Get out." The maid still hovered, and Shannon lost her patience. "GET OUT!!!" She screamed, picking up the cup on her nightstand and throwing it at the maid. The maid fled, and Shannon lay down in the bed, praying that Boone hadn't heard anything.

Kate

It had taken her at least two hours to fill up the giant black kettle three times and warm the water for her bath. Rarely did she actually have time to enjoy one, and yet, knowing that she did so, even more than the average person at once a month.

Now as she sank into it up to her neck, sticking her feet up on the far end of the giant tub.


"Kate?" He called. "I have an idea for our next business transaction."



Biting the back of her knuckle, looking a bit sadly at the water, and realizing in the next minute that she would freeze getting out of it, and into the cooler air.

Muttering several dozen unladylike words. Throwing a white nightgown and a woven blanket over her shoulders. Opening the door.

Giving him a stare.

" Master Ford." Nodding.

This better be damn good.


__________________________________


Mikhail

His leather gerkin was soaked through, and the saw finished it's deed.

Stacking them up in a pile and wrapping it in sack, to be delivered on the morrow, promptly.

Nails being driven home into pine.

Placing the remainer within a cold cellar on a shelf.

Cleaning hands, walking up the steps to his home.

Eating his dinner.

" I cannot comprehend why I am still a bachelor."

Sawyer

" Master Ford." Nodding.

This better be damn good.

He was a little surprised to see her in the white nightgown. The firelight was behind her and it caused him to be able to see pretty much straight through it. He sucked in his breath when he saw her. She was evern more beautiful that usually was.

"Uh, I, uhm, wanted to speak with you about, uh, somethin'." He searched his mind trying to remember what it was he wanted to say. "Oh, I thought of what our next 'business transaction' should be. I think we should hit Lady Cortez's coach."

Kate

"Uh, I, uhm, wanted to speak with you about, uh, somethin'." He searched his mind trying to remember what it was he wanted to say. "Oh, I thought of what our next 'business transaction' should be. I think we should hit Lady Cortez's coach."

He interrupted my bath for this?

" Yes M'Lord of course. Do you know what she might be carrying abroad? Her family has much wealth...but I must hasten to mention that she does not seem the type of woman that should be taken lightly."

Pulling her arms across herself shivering.

" The night air is bitterly cold for so the early part of the winter. I wonder what will await us during the rest of it."

Staring at him.

" You smell of a whorehouse and liquor Master."

Smirking.

" I do hope your true brain does not get the witch Danielle's sickness and fall off. How many of the ladies would be heartbroken? Now if that would be all...?"

Sawyer

" Yes M'Lord of course. Do you know what she might be carrying abroad? Her family has much wealth...but I must hasten to mention that she does not seem the type of woman that should be taken lightly."

"No she isn't. I believe the cargo to be wine, but there are also some exceptional pieces of jewlery which she wears. Those will be able to feed the manor workers for several months.

Pulling her arms across herself shivering.

" The night air is bitterly cold for so the early part of the winter. I wonder what will await us during the rest of it."

"Yes it is. You wear only a night sheath. Surely you're cold. Perhaps I should come in for a moment." He said softly.

Staring at him.

" You smell of a mongerhouse and liquor Master."

He leaned in a little closer to her. "And you, dear Kate, smell of rose petals and lavender.

Smirking.

" I do hope your true brain does not get the witch Danielle's sickness and fall off. How many of the ladies would be heartbroken? Now if that would be all...?"

"Surely you jest, m'lady," he said. "I cannot imagine that you yourself would not be disheartened as well."

He gave her a soft smirk.

Kate

Smirking back at him, but with nostrils flaring.

" You have interrupted my bathing time."

" The smell you are smelling is lye soap. Despite your flowery romantic notions. "

" Rest assured the only thing I have energy to jest about at this moment, Master Ford is that you apparently have forgotten to relace your codpiece back up after relieving yourself against an unfortunate local tree."

Turning her back on him, leaving the door wide open.

" Come in if you must I am not sure which is harsher, your breath or the sweet talk you constantly expell."

Sawyer

Smirking back at him, but with nostrils flaring.

" You have interrupted my bathing time."

"Excuse me, m'lady. Far be it from me to interrupt your bath." He smirked at her. Why do I even try.

" The smell you are smelling is lye soap. Despite your flowery romantic notions. "

"Careful Kate. I may someday decide that compliments are no longer worth my time." He growled.

" Rest assured the only thing I have energy to jest about at this moment, Master Ford is that you apparently have forgotten to relace your codpiece back up after relieving yourself against an unfortunate local tree."

"How would you know, unless you've taken observance at me." He said.

Turning her back on him, leaving the door wide open.

" Come in if you must I am not sure which is harsher, your breath or the sweet talk you constantly expell."

"I think not. The world is full of many people Kate, I'll not be lonely." He turned from her and closed his eyes. Why does she do this to me!! Does she not know how much I love her!!

Desmond

Desmond's head was pounding when his eyes flickered open; his arms and legs felt shaky. The air in front of him seemed to swim in his vision. He groaned, once, and closed his eyes again. His head hurt too much for this.

He felt as if he'd just suffered twenty hangovers, without having the fun part of actually doing the drinking. There was something poking the side of his face, and his nose itched. He tried to hold back a sneeze, knowing it would only hurt his head even worse. He wound up holding his breath until the urge went away; it was only then that he realised the jabbing sensation went down his whole side. His eyes flickered open again as he tried to sit up, hands shaking.

Desmond was sprawled on a hay-strewn floor that seemed to be packed earth under the hay. the only light was coming from the cracks under and above the door. The rest of the room was shadowed and dark, and he couldn't tell what - if anything - was in it besides himself. He crawled to the door, running his fingers up the jam until he found the doorknob. He gave the knob a short jerk, growling when it wouldn't give. He slammed his hand into the door, wincing at the fresh pain, but ignoring it for now. There wasn't a response that he could hear, so he pulled at the doorknob again, listening to it rattle.

He bit back a whimper. It still seemed like a very short time ago that he had finally got out of the Swan station; and before that had been a very long time in a confined space...and now he was in an even smaller space. A feeling of claustrophobia he hadn't had before the Island crept into the back of his mind, and he jerked on the doorknob almost frantically, planting his bare feet against the wall and straining with all his might.

All Desmond got for his struggles against the doorknob were sore hands and a splinter in his foot. He let go, frustrated, to sit against the wall, burying his face in his hands.

This was going to be difficult.


______________________
Ben



John Locke
"Yessir, I've been using knives all my life... ever since I was a wee lad living with my dad. He was the town's butcher long before I even came along, and he passed his trade onto me. Everything he knew, I know, and that is a lot of information, yessir. I can probably make out every knife that is known to man 'round these here parts."

Ben nodded, still smiling that faint smile. The expression didn't meet his eyes. "Good." He slid a desk drawer open, shuffling through papers as he continued. "I trusted you knew how to use them..." Perhaps on things other than venison...that was a thought better left silent. He slid a fresh piece of parchment from a stack in the drawer, placing it before him and beginning to write.

Within moments, he had written out a short list of allowances: a pay rate (five gold coins a week), a list of duties and permissions...a contract, in essence. He tilted his candle over the parchment before pressing his ring to the melted wax that dripped there.

"I will have work for you around three tomorrow." He blew on the ink to make it dry faster before handing the parchment over, ending the interview. "Good day."

Kate


"I think not. The world is full of many people Kate, I'll not be lonely."


Watching as he turned melodramatically away from her.

" I am sorry if you are feeling a bit like a swooning Princess this night."

" As to no longer being worth your time."

Taking him now by the arm, pushing him back outside.

" Welcome to everyone else's reality."

Glare.

" Till tomorrow...Coach. Lady Cortez. Money. Aye...Go sober up and meet me when the sun rises."

Slamming the door in his face.

Bolting it and leaning against it.

I am not certain of which is the more stubborn of the two of us Ford.

Saying through the door.

" Had I wanted a fellow friend that weeps everytime he speaks...I would have taken the offer of the local net maker as a suitor!"

Throwing a clay cup against the wall and watching it shatter everywhere.

" Take leave!!"

Tears in her eyes, glad she was alone and that he could not see it.

Danielle:

Desmond was sprawled on a hay-strewn floor that seemed to be packed earth under the hay. the only light was coming from the cracks under and above the door. The rest of the room was shadowed and dark, and he couldn't tell what - if anything - was in it besides himself. He crawled to the door, running his fingers up the jam until he found the doorknob. He gave the knob a short jerk, growling when it wouldn't give. He slammed his hand into the door, wincing at the fresh pain, but ignoring it for now. There wasn't a response that he could hear, so he pulled at the doorknob again, listening to it rattle.

He bit back a whimper. It still seemed like a very short time ago that he had finally got out of the Swan station; and before that had been a very long time in a confined space...and now he was in an even smaller space. A feeling of claustrophobia he hadn't had before the Island crept into the back of his mind, and he jerked on the doorknob almost frantically, planting his bare feet against the wall and straining with all his might.

All Desmond got for his struggles against the doorknob were sore hands and a splinter in his foot. He let go, frustrated, to sit against the wall, burying his face in his hands.

This was going to be difficult.He was trying to get out, without a word she walked over to a shelf ran her finger delicately over all th vials finding the ine she wanted she pulled t off and walked towards the door.

Unscrewing the lid careful not to spill any on herself she poured in under the door's base into the room with him, that should help you she laughed to herself. Looking at the label, ah how she had relished in the creation of this potion which caused one to see their greatest fears and love at one. Hallucinations were one of her favorite tricks.

" It is night," she called in a faux tender voice " you should try and sleep,
and dream..." she let out a malicious chuckle.

She turned to the couch near her fire and reclined on it, The duke would arrive in the morning, she would need to be prepared for his arrival.... she sat watching the fire spark, I shall indeed be prepared.

_________________________________________________

Ana-Lucia:

Tossing and turning she shot up in her bed, soaked in sweat heart racing.. those dreams.. the vision..of something..a Plane..how did she know that..it crashed...people died...taken...a beach..

Unable to sleep she slipped off her bed and put on a robe, she would find Rose, she always could talk to Rose in hard times or when she was feeling down. She searched the long halls looking for her maid.

It will be dawn in a few hours, I will send a note to Sir Carlyse to ensure he does not worry at my absence

Desmond

Someone was moving near the door. Desmond pulled his hands away from his eyes, standing up to lean against the wood, prepairing to try and talk his way out of the room. She spoke first.

Danielle:

" It is night," she called in a faux tender voice " you should try and sleep,
and dream..." she let out a malicious chuckle.The laugh chilled his bones, coupled with the memory of roots wrapping around his ankles. He shuddered, backing away from the door silently. His leg hit a hard surface and he realized he'd walked into a bed. He sat down on the edge, shivering, head bowed, but mind working overtime to try and find a way out.

Something soft brushed against his hand; soft, gentle fingers. An equally soft voice spoke.

"Ahhh, Des, what have you gotten yourself into this time...."

His head shot up, eyes widening as he realized he could see through the gloom, he could see a face he hadn't seen in such a long time.

"Pen...? You're here too?" He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Her lovely face broke into the grin that he remembered so well.

"What do you mean "here," Des? You're dreaming..." The bed shifted in a very real way as she sat down beside him, arms wrapping around his shoulders. They felt so real, so solid, that Desmond had to laugh.

"If this is a dream, Penny...maybe I don't want to wake up?" Her lips brushed his cheek, and he sighed, leaning into her embrace, her gentle hands stroking the side of his face, trailing across his neck and shoulders in ways that left him aching with longing...

She pulled him backwards on the bed, brushing kisses across his cheeks, delicate kisses on his forehead. He closed his eyes, feeling as if he would die from happiness so strong it brought tears to his eyes as she moved to kiss his lips...

And then something changed; the air went cold, and an inhuman laugh chuckled, quite close to his ear. "I dunno, Desmundo," came a voice harsh and rough and cruel; ultimately far too deep to be anything related to Penny, "I kinda think you're gonna want to wake up."

Desmond recoiled so fast he hit the floor with a thud, scuttling backwards until his shoulders hit the wall. He didn't even notice, staring in terror at who Penny had become. "K-k-kelvin...."

His former...he didn't know what to call Kelvin, something halfway between "captor" and "friend," stared down at him from the edge of the bed, a sly sneer tugging at his lips. His Dharma jumpsuit was stained with blood, and his eyes were a strange shade of yellow, slitted like a cat's.

"Yeah, 's me...I seem to recall you killing me..." He held up a hand, sneer sliding into a cruel, fanged grin. "...But that's alright, see...I'm better now..."

Desmond didn't even realize when he began to scream...
_________________________________________________


Rose

Ana-Lucia:

Unable to sleep she slipped off her bed and put on a robe, she would find Rose, she always could talk to Rose in hard times or when she was feeling down. She searched the long halls looking for her maid.

It will be dawn in a few hours, I will send a note to Sir Carlyse to ensure he does not worry at my absence

Rose sat, still up, in the attic bedroom she'd claimed as her own. She looked up as Lady Ana passed.

"M'lady?"

Danielle:


It was not long before she heard him Speaking to someone but no one responded. His soft spoken words soon turned to screams, and she smiled to herself, pleased at his misery, She stretched out laying her head down, she closed her eyes slightly, smiling with each of his screams.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ana-Lucia:

Passing by teh upper rooms she saw rose in the small room,
"M'lady?"

Smiling she entere dthe room and sat next to Rose

" good evening, rose " she smiled genuinely

" may I sit with you awhile? "

John Locke

He looked at Ben smile, and felt even more unnerved by this.

Ben


"Good." He slid a desk drawer open, shuffling through papers as he continued. "I trusted you knew how to use them..."

Locke watched as he brought out a piece of parchment and began to write. What was implied was as clean as day for him. He wanted John to kill a man. And he was not comfortable with this at all. He was not a killer. Sure, he was a butcher... and worked on animals (and sometimes, some other things...), but he could never kill a man.

But would he tell that to Ben, and get him angry?

No, Locke felt that he better just go along this for now.

"I will have work for you around three tomorrow." He blew on the ink to make it dry faster before handing the parchment over, ending the interview. "Good day."

"Er, thank you sir..." he said, taking the parchment, looking down at the wax seal. "Thank you very much."

He bowed again (and why did he have to do this?) and then turned and exited the room. Locke was no more than four steps down the hall when a string of numbers came to him, just out of the blue. He ran them through his head, wondering their significance, why those six numbers, but he could not find a reason. He had never seen them together like that in his life.

4 8 15 16 23 42... I wonder what they mean...

Sawyer

Watching as he turned melodramatically away from her.

" I am sorry if you are feeling a bit like a swooning Princess this night."

" As to no longer being worth your time."

"What?" His eyes flashed with anger. "You dare to call ME a swooning princess. Care for me to remind you of the times you've swooned."

Taking him now by the arm, pushing him back outside.

" Welcome to everyone else's reality."

Glare.

" Till tomorrow...Coach. Lady Cortez. Money. Aye...Go sober up and meet me when the sun rises."

"Do not trouble yourself, dear Kate. I am sure I can find something better to do, since you think me useless. Do not try to fool me. I've known you way to long, my sweet." He glared at her in anger. Yes, fool yourself, like you don't need her, he thought.

Saying through the door.

" Had I wanted a fellow friend that weeps everytime he speaks...I would have taken the offer of the local net maker as a suitor!"

Oh now she did it. He turned back and shoved his fist against the door. "I HAVE NEVER WEPT IN FRONT OF YOU!!" He yelled. "And, I never will!!"

Throwing a clay cup against the wall and watching it shatter everywhere.

" Take leave!!"

Tears in her eyes, glad she was alone and that he could not see it.

"You forget yourself, dear Kate. You live in this house because of me. I can easily take it away." He regretted the words as soon as he said them. He would never ever kick her out and he knew it, but right now he was furious, furious at her and furious at himself for not being able to stay away from her, and furious that he loved her so much.

Kate


Jumping sky high at the sound of his fist crashing into the door.

Followed closely by the remark about how very much she owed HIM. He with his fine clothing, hair immaculate, handcarved furniture and a kitchen staff to wait on him hand and foot.

Glancing over at the bowl that had held weevil stew. The holed boots next to her, the thin blanket upon the hay filled mattress.

The tears of fear and heartbreak turned now to tears of frustration and borderline rage.

Night gown flying off. Shirt on, breeches.

Pick up the bag. Socks, lots of socks, extra shirt, knife.

Yelling out to him in a voice deadly calm.

" Then by all means...!"

Walking to the emergency exit she had carved into the back of the cabin for just such occasions. Because one would never know when one would need to run.

Squeezing through. Yanking the bag after her. Eyes narrowing. Pulling her thin woolen cape around her.

Knowing he knew nothing of this escape hatch.

Leaving quietly through the woods bordering the thicket.

I shall go to see the Witch.

Danielle:

She watched the fire flicker, and the mans screams were, less frequent now. She jerked when she heard something outside the front door,Stepping up she grabbed a sword she had taken from a dead knight and approached her door slowly, peeking through a crack she saw a woman, Kate... from the Ford estate, Opening the door she

Said with crooked smile " Kate.... what brings you to me at such an hour? "

Kate

Shivering, frost literally beginning to form on the ends of her hair, pulling the cape tighter.


" Danielle." Nodding in reverence, knowing the power this woman held.

" Thank you for not shooting me or impaling me upon some unforseen trap. Forgive my arrival with no forewarning."

Staring at her, hands nearly frozen now to the bags shoulder straps.

" I...was wondering if you could help me?"

((I<3RP, we'll assume Rose is Ana's housekeeper. :D))


Rose

"I can hear you, child, there's no reason to be sneaky."

((alright! ;) ))

Walt

Walt jumped, then crept into view rather shyly. "Um...sorry...this is just the first and only manor I've ever been into..." He scratched his head then said in a hesitant voice, "You won't turn me in, will you?"

He stared at Rose. She looked kind enough, but you could never tell with these people. Would he heave to fold linen all his life? Or would he be turned into the constables and...beaten?

He tried very hard to keep a straight face, chin up.

Danielle;

Moving aside extending an arm to invite the woman inside where it was warm


" Danielle." Nodding in reverence, knowing the power this woman held.

" Thank you for not shooting me or impaling me upon some unforseen trap. Forgive my arrival with no forewarning."

Staring at her, hands nearly frozen now to the bags shoulder straps.

" I...was wondering if you could help me?" With a slight chuckle, she said

" I shall help you in any way I am capable, madam " she talked in a raspy voice

" pleaasse, have a seat... warm yourself "

Danielle closed the door and locked it, side glancing at her bedroom door, she sat down next to Kate

" now tell me child, what is it you need "

Kate


" I shall help you in any way I am capable, madam " she talked in a raspy voice

" pleaasse, have a seat... warm yourself "

Danielle closed the door and locked it, side glancing at her bedroom door, she sat down next to Kate

" now tell me child, what is it you need "


" I have left the Ford estate. I am seeking asylum. Would you be willing to give that? I can help protect you as well...You know who and what it is that I befriend. "

Danielle:

" I have left the Ford estate. I am seeking asylum. Would you be willing to give that? I can help protect you as well...You know who and what it is that I befriend. "" Of coarse you may stay, here, you know that "
leaving the last comment unspoken, She merely nodded,

she rose and got another bowl of soup and handed it to Kate,

concern nagging her she asked bluntly

" has he harmed you? " she felt hot anger burning inside her

Boone

He sighed in his chair in front of the fire. His eyes were fixed on it, as it was the only source of light in the room. Inside his head he went through a list of the workers on the estate, trying to figure out what to do with his in-house staff. He was determined to find new handmaidens for his sister, and he thought he knew just the two young girls to take on that task. If trained right, they would be no problem for Shannon to handle. He decided to put her current handmaidens on sheep duty as of tomorrow, and have the two young girls brought in to start their training. The kitchen maid was already taken care of. She would be crawling in the pig pen, at least for the remainder of the year, before he would even consider to take her back in.

The fire was dying, and he went to the kitchen, yelling at the boy who wasn't doing his duty.

"One more chance," he said. "One more chance, or I'll take Matthew and put in your place! Keep that fire running! I want that room to be warm when I come down in the morning. And if my sister EVER says anything about not being respected again, I shall have the person transported to the stocks and punished there!"

With that he marched up to his chamber and crept in between the ice cold covers, praying that it should be warm soon.

Kate

Almost sighing in relief, face crumpling a bit but somehow mainting her posture and holding it in.

" There are many ways to harm someone."

Shivering her hair still wet from the bath water...and slowly beginning to thaw out.

" He claims I am his 'equal', and we both know that that will never be true."

" Although perhaps I may push him...He threatened to take everything and anything that HE gave me away. I can not live under any bonds...man or woman. I've been a loyal Squire and friend...but I will not be addressed that way. His true colors shone through."

Swallowing hard.

" I thank you for your generosity." Bowing her head a little.

Sawyer

Leaving quietly through the woods bordering the thicket.

I shall go to see the Witch.

"Dammit!" He said walking back to the house. "Why did I say such things to her? Why does she always push me to this point?" He said.

James got back into the house and layed down on his bed. He stared up at the canopy part and the thick burgundy curtains that hung around it. He turned over on his side as he thought about her. "You prideful son of a b***h," he muttered.

Desmond

Danielle:
It was not long before she heard him Speaking to someone but no one responded. His soft spoken words soon turned to screams, and she smiled to herself, pleased at his misery, She stretched out laying her head down, she closed her eyes slightly, smiling with each of his screams.

He curled in the corner, hands over his ears, head bowed and resting on his knees. He was freezing and the voices wouldn't stop, Penny's, Kelvin's, Brother Campbell...changing...one moment Penny would be friendly, warm, loving - everything she'd ever been...the next her hand was around his neck, choking the life from him.

The whole room felt as if he were onboard that d@mn boat again, drifting on waves...he knew none of it was real, but he couldn't attach that knowledge to his actions, his grasp on reality shaking every time Penny came to him.

After what felt like - and may have been - hours, his throat was raw from yelling, pleading for everything to just end and let him catch his breath...he wasn't going to be able to take much more of this.

"Please...." he called out, hoarse. "Make it stop...."


_______________________________________
Rose


((alright! ;) ))

Walt

Walt jumped, then crept into view rather shyly. "Um...sorry...this is just the first and only manor I've ever been into..." He scratched his head then said in a hesitant voice, "You won't turn me in, will you?"

Rose hid a smile, concentrating on the sheet in her hands. "Turn who in? I don't see anybody here who don't belong in a civilized house like civilized people..." The boy was trying to be brave, and that warmed her heart. She patted the floor next to her. "Sit. Keep me company..."

Ana-Lucia:

Passing by teh upper rooms she saw rose in the small room,


Smiling she entere dthe room and sat next to Rose

" good evening, rose " she smiled genuinely

" may I sit with you awhile? "

Rose winked at the boy on her other side. "Only if you don't mind that I've hired on a little new help...."



_______________________________________
Ben

John looked shaken as he took the offered parchment. Ben just kept staring, trying to gauge his reaction. He seemed unsettled, and Ben felt vindicated. John was no idiot. But would he prove loyal? Only time would tell. Ben doubted it, but that bridge could be crossed when they came to it.
John Locke
"Er, thank you sir..." he said, taking the parchment, looking down at the wax seal. "Thank you very much."

Ben nodded as John left, tapping his fingers together and staring out the door long after John was gone. This would be interesting, to say the least. He finally stood, pulling on his formal winter robe and stepping out into the hall. Time for his appearance at the festival...brief though it would be.

Danielle:

Almost sighing in relief, face crumpling a bit but somehow mainting her posture and holding it in.

" There are many ways to harm someone."

Shivering her hair still wet from the bath water...and slowly beginning to thaw out.

" He claims I am his 'equal', and we both know that that will never be true."She was becoming angry, and would severely harm that man should she ever see him alone.

" You do not owe him anything..dear one "

" Although perhaps I may push him...He threatened to take everything and anything that HE gave me away. I can not live under any bonds...man or woman. I've been a loyal Squire and friend...but I will not be addressed that way. His true colors shone through."

Swallowing hard.

" I thank you for your generosity." Bowing her head a little.She could tell Kate had feelings for him, and it made her angry... James Ford was not the right type for her...

" Kate, you are always welcome, " lifting her chin " you do not bow your head to me"

she smiled the most genuine smile she had in many years...

startled out of it when Desmond called out


Please...." he called out, hoarse. "Make it stop...."looking at Kate she felt some shame,

" excuse me " she stood up grabbing a new potion and walking into her room

looking down on the man, feeling pity for him she pulled him onto her bed, and opened the vial , releasing its sleep properties,she whipered in his ear

" sleep well sir "


She left him to the peaceful sleep and walked out closing the door quietly,

looking at Kate as she entered the main room


__________________________________________________ ________

Ana-Lucia:


Noticing a small boy.. the boy from the forest on the bed next to her she wondered if it was Rose's child

Rose winked at the boy on her other side. "Only if you don't mind that I've hired on a little new help...."Smiling and walking into the small homey room she sat next to Rose,

"certainly not, "

She sat for a while before looking at the two

"would you two like to join me on a coach ride into Bronshire in the morning,? We can go to the candy shop , " she said smiling at the boy " and get some new fabric for you Rose "

she longed for company like this so much... for family..

Sawyer

He tried to sleep but it wasn't working. He kept hearing his words about taking everything away from her. Of course he'd never do it and he didn't even want to think about that, but the truth was he'd hurt her and this time, she may never forgive him. All the years of playing with each other and sexual banter wouldn't help him now. He was losing his Kate.

Sawyer got up and left the house and walked toward Kate's place. She was probably asleep as there were no candles glowing. He knocked softly on the door.

"Kate, I must talk with you." He said. "Please Kate, I have somethin' to say to you." His voiced pleaded but no sound came back to him. "Kate?" He tried the door but it didn't open. It seemed to be locked from the inside. Now he began to panic. He pushed some of the cloth over the windows away and peered inside, preparing himself for the worst.

He saw nothing. He had to find her. He had to get her back and he desparately needed to apologize to her. He ran back to the stables and saddled his horse. He rode off into the night to find Kate.

Kate


Please...." he called out, hoarse. "Make it stop...."


A Northern dialect sounding quite ill came from the other room.

Waiting for her to come back, smiling curiously up at her.

" Is someone injured or ill? I do not recognize his voice..."

Glancing around the room, filled with vials of liquids of all colors, in shapes and sizes, animal bones clinking together in small windchime like formations, skins, various herbs tied and drying.

Leaning back on her elbows, green eyes wandering.

" I have always had a mind to ask you. Where you learned such things. You have a great gift Danielle."

" When I was a child I would occasionally sneak away from the Chateau simply to peek in your window. "

Raising an eyebrow.

" I am certain you knew I was here...else I would have been skewered upon a spike."

Smiling gently.

Danielle:


" Is someone injured or ill? I do not recognize his voice..."

Glancing around the room, filled with vials of liquids of all colors, in shapes and sizes, animal bones clinking together in small windchime like formations, skins, various herbs tied and drying.

Leaning back on her elbows, green eyes wandering.

Thinking of a good answer she said

" a wandering soul came to me and I am keeping him here for the night "

watching the girls eyes wander along her walls she wondered what might have happened all those years ago if she hadn't... NO no use for these thoughts..

she sat back down next to the girl

" I have always had a mind to ask you. Where you learned such things. You have a great gift Danielle."

" When I was a child I would occasionally sneak away from the Chateau simply to peek in your window. "

Raising an eyebrow.



She smiled at the memories of the small head peeking above her window eyes wide.. and how she always pretended not to see,

" the skills which befall me where gained through many teachings by a master wizard, and a natural gifting "

" I am certain you knew I was here...else I would have been skewered upon a spike."

Smiling gently.

she smiled back at her

" I would never let harm befall thee, dear one" she said in her raspy voice

" I did enjoy your eyes gazing in wonder at me whilst i worked, it brought joy everytime
you peeked over my window sill " she smiled at her


She loked out herwindow at the moon,

" It is getting late, you are welcome to sleep here tonight if you so desire " she turned around looking at the girl

" i must go gather some wood, for the fire. I shall return shortly "

she grabbed a cloak and opened the door

Kate

Still shivering, she lay down on a pallet...smiling in thanks. Eyes slowly beginning to close.

" Danielle? Can you tell me what my parents were like?"

Danielle:


Returning with wood in arms she placed it in the hearth. Kate layed out on teh couch and asked




Still shivering, she lay down on a pallet...smiling in thanks. Eyes slowly beginning to close. " Danielle? Can you tell me what my parents were like?"she sat for a long time fighting off her own emotions, memories of the dragon, the angry villagers... it was all still sensitive to her.

"Your father, was a good man," she said sitting next to her stroking her hair " he died trying to save you" she choked a bit " He was brilliant, and a very good friend of mine"

she sat for awhile longer

" your mother, was very brave, she did all necessary to ensure you survived and lived a good life " she smiled down at the girl

" sleep now, you need your rest " she sat there, next to the fire feeling sleep try and take her as well.

Claire

She turned around as she felt someone tap her shoulder. She glanced over then shook her head. "No," she told the woman, "I'm fine. I wander these halls many times." She hadn't seen this woman yet, but then again, Claire hadn't been staying there long. So far she had met Duke Linus and a few more of his servents, if that's what one could call them.

"I actually know my way around quite well. I just feel more comfortable if I'm very much known with my surroundings." She told this woman. She didn't need to explain herself, but she had. In this manor, she was acknowledged as the Princess she really was, but only inside these walls.

"I see." Sun bowed low, as if in reverence, though her eyes rolled once the blonde could no longer see them. She straightened back up, polite smile gracing her face as Jin walked up behind her and slid an arm around her waist. "I will leave you to your walk, then. And I am sorry to have bothered you." Her head inclined before she and Jin strode off down the hall.

Desmond

Desmond didn't bother to look up as the door cracked open, leaving his eyes shut and his hands over his ears. He tensed, though, not knowing what to expect this time.

What he got was someone pulling him to his feet and laying him back on the bed. There was the small sound of something being opened, and then everything faded away, but in a different way than before. He could feel himself relaxing, the aches and pains dulling away to a point where he could ignore them. He felt warm breath on his ear, heard the whisper -


Danielle:
" sleep well sir "


So he did.
__________________________________________________ ________

Rose




Ana-Lucia:
"would you two like to join me on a coach ride into Bronshire in the morning,? We can go to the candy shop, " she said smiling at the boy " and get some new fabric for you Rose."

Rose smiled like the sunshine coming out from behind a cloud. "That sounds wonderful, m'lady. I need new fabrics for the upper guest chambers. And I wager my friend here could use some sweets as well." She stood, slowly, brushing dust off her skirts as she curtsyed.


__________________________________________________ ________

Ben

Ben stood at the fires of the Festival, watching with hooded eyes. The courtyard in front of his Manor wasn't full, but then, he hadn't expected it to be. Whitebranch was not widely celebrated, being one of the smaller holidays, and truely only relevant to those in power, as it consisted of asking for another year of good fortune for those under one's command.

He listened to the village priest reading blessing after blessing, to the north and the east and all directions in between with half an ear and half a mind; his thoughts elsewhere, on the stranger, John Locke and Danielle's bird.

It was no coincidence the man had arrived when he did. Ben had been having dreams of his power being pulled away from him, dreams of loosing his Duke status. They had always happened the same. And he'd always lost to a shadowy figure he couldn't see. He'd had one again the night before, only the shadow had had a face. He'd forgotten by the time he'd awoken, but Desmond had shaken him, his face familiar without any reason to be. He must have been the face in his dream.

He has to die, of course. Ben crossed himself at the thought, looking to see that the Priest was almost done. He struggled to keep the thoughts from his mind until he had finished and the platform had been handed over to the ministral they'd hired off the street for the event. It was never fitting to think such thoughts during a blessing but after they were done...the thoughts returned.

Hopefully, Locke would be useful in...extracting the information he needed. Ben mused to himself as he walked towards the tables set up for the dignitaries, heavily laden with food and drink. I need to know who sent him, or if he's alone...he entertained the thought of the stranger screaming under a knife blade and shivered, half with anticipation, half with disgust at his own thought processes. And then I shall send him to the wolves...

It would look like an accident, that way - set him loose in the woods, let the wolves out...there wouldn't be enough left of him to say he'd been tortured. That he'd been a prisoner. Just another poor stranger caught unaware by the wildlife...Ben smiled like one of his own precious wolves, staring up at the sky.

The stars were bright in the cold, black sky. Another few hours and they would be gone, swallowed by the dawn of a new, promising day...he shook his head, reaching the tables, and for the bowl of hot, spiced wine. His gaze landed on a couple; new, elegant and refined...his face moved into a more friendly smile as he waved them over.

"Guardsman Jin...I assume this is your lovely wife?"

Sawyer

He rode of into the night searching for her. "KATE!!!" He called, "KATE!!! WHERE ARE YOU?!!!" James called out as he searched for her. "God, if somethin' happened to her, I'll never live through it. I'd never be able to live without her."

He rode slowly through the forrest he carried one of the torches to light his way, but he couldn't find her.

"I should never have left her like that. Holy God in heaven help me find her!!" He cried.

Ana-Lucia:

A smile came over her at Rose's smile

Rose smiled like the sunshine coming out from behind a cloud. "That sounds wonderful, m'lady. I need new fabrics for the upper guest chambers. And I wager my friend here could use some sweets as well." She stood, slowly, brushing dust off her skirts as she curtsyed.

" very well then! " she stood up " We will leave at first light, be at the carriage then " she smiled and waved at them and went back to her chambers,

peacefully she slipped between the covers and fell to sleep.

Ben

The stars were bright in the cold, black sky. Another few hours and they would be gone, swallowed by the dawn of a new, promising day...he shook his head, reaching the tables, and for the bowl of hot, spiced wine. His gaze landed on a couple; new, elegant and refined...his face moved into a more friendly smile as he waved them over.

"Guardsman Jin...I assume this is your lovely wife?"

The aforementioned "lovely wife"s lips turned upwards as she held out a delicate hand to the Duke and Jin nodded, his arm around his wife's waist.

"Yes, this is my wife, Sun Kwon."

Ben
The aforementioned "lovely wife"s lips turned upwards as she held out a delicate hand to the Duke and Jin nodded, his arm around his wife's waist.

"Yes, this is my wife, Sun Kwon."


Ben bowed and took the hand, brushing his lips across Sun's hand. "My pleasure."

Something about the woman put him on guard. he couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something...he tried to shrug it off.

"I trust your accomodations are fitting?" He took a goblet of fine crystal from the table, filling it from the punchbowl without looking up. "I had my servants prepare them just for the both of you..." He looked up then, offering the full goblet to Sun with a smile.

Ben

Ben bowed and took the hand, brushing his lips across Sun's hand. "My pleasure."

Something about the woman put him on guard. he couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something...he tried to shrug it off.

"I trust your accomodations are fitting?" He took a goblet of fine crystal from the table, filling it from the punchbowl without looking up. "I had my servants prepare them just for the both of you..." He looked up then, offering the full goblet to Sun with a smile.

Sun smiled back, holding up a hand to halt him momentarily as she gracefully filled another cut-glass goblet and held it towards Ben in return. "Oh yes. The accomodations are more than pleasant and fitting." She extended her arm further. "Your servants did a wonderful job on the chambers." As Ben took the goblet from her, she took the one from him.

There was a moment where the air between the two seemed to freeze, both of them nearly smirking, before both glasses of wine met with the dirt beneath their feet.

Sun set her goblet back upon a table and curtsied, eyes blank and friendly. "My husband and I are tired. I apologize for our short conversation, but we shall adjourn." She reclaimd Jin's arm and the two headed from the Duke's side. Jin looking back over his shoulder and nodding at Ben before the dissappeared from view.

((OCC: Taking the helm of Jack, Michael, Tom and Penny.))

Jack

Sinking feeling; thats all it ever is. Walking along the moist and muddy ground, Jack couldn't shake the feeling of apathy that lingered in his skull. The man had thrown away everything to come here, to colonize... And now his nights are boring and uneventful. He would sometimes laugh at his title 'noble-man', Jack knew there was nothing noble about going door to door and collecting tariffs from those who could barely pay them.

I'm a walking joke.

Rubbing his tired eyes, Jack sets a course for his run-down shack. His small ammount of armour clinking and clanking as he walks, a subtle reminder of the ounce of responsibility he has. Hopes of a better tomorrow is all that keeps Jack from going insane, hopes of something more to this life.

Tom

The fire keeps his feet warm as they point at it, his body reclined in his chair. Turning the last page of the manuscript, he finishes with a smile.

Bloody good ending.

Tossing the papers down, he silently applauds the man who wrote it: Michael Dawson. Standing up and putting on some slippers, Tom's husky figure leaves the living quaters and enters the holding cells. There is only one cell; one for the playwright. He sees the man who never sleeps, his dark skin lit up by the lantern Tom carries, "That was amazing Michael."

"Amazing enough to let me out?" Michael tells him with a slight smirk.

Michael

I already know his answer...

"No," Tom says in a bleak tone, "You know we can't do that."

Laying his head against the concreate and looking to the man behind the bars, Michael speaks in a savvy voice, "Than why did you come all the way over here? You could have waited until morning to tell me about the play."

Tom leans in close, as though someone is listening, "Jack is coming to play tomorrow night... Nobody but us are going to be around and we want you to play."

Michael chuckles and puts his head up straight, "You could loose your job for this-- Slaves aren't meant to play games with the guards," Respect dripping from every word.

Tom begins to walk away bearing the same smile, "Nobody needs to know."

As Tom leaves and Michael is left alone with his thoughts; the prospect of a card night rings free and true. But no matter what, he still has the lingering thought of his estranged son-- Walt.

Penny

Hearing the door slam in the home beside her, he gazes out the small and dirty window to see exactly which house it was. Penny offers a smile to the wind as she sees that it was Jacks, the man is usually accompanied by such angst.

Poor man.

Slipping into bed, she lets the dreams come-- The dreams where she is queen.

Ben
Sun

Sun set her goblet back upon a table and curtsied, eyes blank and friendly. "My husband and I are tired. I apologize for our short conversation, but we shall adjourn." She reclaimd Jin's arm and the two headed from the Duke's side. Jin looking back over his shoulder and nodding at Ben before the dissappeared from view.

Ben watched Jin leave for the second time that day, hand still holding the wine glass.
Sun was nothing but polite - if slightly cold - but still. He took the wine and tipped it onto the cold ground, not once lifting the glass to his lips. Isabelle had taught him to never trust drinks.

She gathered his robe around his shoulders, and returned indoors, heading to his bedchambers for what little remained of the night...

_____________________________

[::End Part One::]
_____________________________

Dawn broke like it always did in these lands. Quickly. Not much ceremony. One moment it was dark, the next - it seemed - light, the sky tinged with pink and gold in the east. The few birds that remained in the winter chirped and sang.

And the world began to awake...

Days of Future Past
Part II
Day Two
_________________________
((Wakey, wakey folks. ;)))

Ana-Lucia:

stretching she heard a servant wake her as she had requested, she dismissed him and stared out the window, the suns light had only just tinged the sky a soft pink color. She stood up and went to her dresser.

She would wear an expensive dress, though she hated them it made a better impression. Dressing herself she could hear the servants moving around and hoped Rose & the boy would be awaiting her downstairs.

She slipped on her signant rings and jewel necklace, lace gloves and jewel brooch.

Looking in the mirror , she looked like the duchess she was... she hated it all,she wanted to be free, in the forest on her horse, riding, not in a dress.

With a sigh she headed downstairs to where the coach awaited her, taking the packed meal from the chef's servant thanking him, and asking if he had sent the message to Boone.

She smiled and went outside to the coach, patting her leg were she had fastened a dagger, she never went anywhere unarmed even if it was only a small dagger.

She looked around for Rose & the boy before entering the coach. She would give them 10 minuets to arrive before she left.

Boone

He woke up at first light and stretched in his big bed. It was warm underneath the covers, but above them he could see his own breath rise like steam. He dreaded getting up, but knew there was no way out of it. A few deep breaths and an extra two minutes of snuggle between the covers was all he allowed himself. Quickly he rose, feeling the bone chilling air like a shock against his skin, immediately seeing the visible result of the hairs on his arms standing on end.

He made his way over to the far end of the room, internally cursing the ones who had built the manor rooms like this, huge, and impossible to heat. For a moment he wished himself in a small, poor, warm cottage. He pulled his suede leather pants on, and tied the strap around his boot tightly, fixing the woolen sock against his foot. Then he pulled a padded shirt on and a leather jerkin on top. Finding gloves and a warm, hooded robe he carried it down into the kitchen area to see if the servants had indeed understood that he was serious the evening before.

He was pleased to see that there were new faces in there, well... new faces indoors at least... He requested that his breakfast would be served in the big hall, and that the fireplace there should be kept running all day, regardless if he was there or not, and that his sister, Lady Shannon, should be treated with the utmost respect.

It was not until after all his orders that he noticed the messenger in the room. He received a note from Lady Ana saying that she would be going away for the day. Quickly he wrote a short message in return: Lady Ana,
Thank you for a lovely dinner.
Good luck on your journey.
Be careful.
Lord Carlyle.He dared not write anymore. Goodness knew how many servants would see that note before it was delivered to its rightful owner. He sent the messenger back with the note and went into the hall for breakfast. It was at a pleasant temperature, and he didn't feel as much of an urge to put his robes on as he had last night.

The servants brought the requested food and he ate.

Crazy Libby

She awoke with the dawning of first light. Libby's eyes opened slowly, a little hazy from sleep, and sat up. She had slept in the alley just off the market, and still had half a loaf of bread from the nice man. He had wanted to see her at first daylight, she remembered, and as the sun was just rising, that meant now, did it not? Libby stood, stretching her tiny form, which was made to look bigger with the tan rags and lop-sided hat she wore.

It was then she realized she didn't have her shoe.

"David?" she said loudly, looking around wildly. "David!? Where are you?"

Libby walked quickly up and down the alley, eyes wide, looking for the shoe... and finally she spotted it, hidden beneath a piece of paper in the alley.

"DAVID! Thar you are!"

She quickly went to it, craddling the shoe in her arms, petting it softly. Libby never went anywhere without the shoe, it was her pet, the thing that made her, well, crazy like everyone said. But people did not know the story behind her, behind the shoe... but that story was one she did not remember, one that she couldn't remember. Because when the event that changed everything had occured, the event that made her 'crazy', she had completely forgotten about that event. She had supressed it, unable to deal with the pain...

"C'mon David, we're goin' to 'ave some foods today. We just need to get to the Carlyle estate, yessir David, the Carlyle estate..."

She walked hurridly down the streets, going to where she knew the estate was at. Libby may not remember it, but she had been there during a party a few years before. She had not met Boone or Shannon at the time, so the two of them would not have recognized her, but it gave her enough memory to quickly locate where she was meant to go. She stopped just outside the gate.

" 'Ello!!!! 'Ello!? Is anyone home!?"

Kate

She arose early as she was accustomed to feeding the horses at that hour. Surprised to find not the walls of her small quarters, but a deer's skull staring down at her, empty sockets seeming cross-eyed in the dim light.

Sitting up and rubbing her eyes, she stretched, yawned, and smiled at Danielle nearby. Looking around and beginning to explore...slowly and quietly.

Peeking into the next room and seeing a man with roots around his legs.

Jaw dropping open. Instantly biting the rest of her nails off.

" GOOD GOD !!"

Boone

After a pretty decent breakfast he went outside to saddle up his horse. All of a sudden he discovered a figure right outside the gate.

Who is that?

He walked over, robes wrapped tightly around him.

"Who's there? Oh! It's you! From the market... Come on in through the gates, woman..."

He smiled slightly at her, feeling pity for her bare feet and bad clothing.

Crazy Libby

She had not been waiting there for long when she saw the master of the house walking towards him. Libby took off her lop-sided hat and bowed her head, her dirty blond hair hanging down. The shoe was clutched in her elbow, secure enough so it did not fall out.

Boone

"Who's there? Oh! It's you! From the market... Come on in through the gates, woman..."

"Thankee mistah Boone." she said, keeping her head low as she opened the gate and scurried inside. "What chores will you have me do, sir?"

She played with a pebble loosely with her foot, feeling a little awkward for coming here to do work. But she was hungry, and although she still had half a load of bread, she wanted to make sure that his promise of food was well kept before she ate the rest of it.

"Turn who in? I don't see anybody here who don't belong in a civilized house like civilized people..."

Walt's heart warmed slightly at this. He tried to hide the blush that was threatening to appear on his face.

"Sit. Keep me company..."

Walt obeyed, watching Rose folding all the time. He felt at home with this lady...he wondered what her name was?

" good evening, rose " she smiled genuinely

" may I sit with you awhile? "

The lady didn't notice Walt at first, and he didn't mind. He was too used to it. He noted that the kind lady's name was Rose. He would remember that.

Rose winked at the boy on her other side. "Only if you don't mind that I've hired on a little new help...."

Did that mean...? No more stable-boy! Walt wanted to leap into the air and shout, but instead he just grinned sheepishly.

Smiling and walking into the small homey room she sat next to Rose,

"certainly not, "

She sat for a while before looking at the two

"would you two like to join me on a coach ride into Bronshire in the morning,? We can go to the candy shop , " she said smiling at the boy " and get some new fabric for you Rose "


Candy shop?! Oh boy! Walt whispered, "Thank you..." He was overwhelmed...

The next morning..

She looked around for Rose & the boy before entering the coach. She would give them 10 minuets to arrive before she left.

Walt came trotting up to Ana, looking around himself with wide eyes. his life was changed now, it felt - he was part of the Cortez manor! He looked up at Ana, thinking about how pretty she looked.

BooneCrazy Libby
"Thankee mistah Boone." she said, keeping her head low as she opened the gate and scurried inside. "What chores will you have me do, sir?"He scratched his head. He actually hadn't given that any thought at all. It was winter, and only very limited tasks to be done outside, and he didn't want her inside the house, because he felt he couldn't fully trust her yet.

It came to mind an old cabin under the trees by the barn that had been the home of the manor's eldest until she had passed away from old age a year or so ago. It had been empty ever since.

I'll have her scrub it and prepare it for a new inhabitant...

He smiled to himself.

"What's your name, woman? Do you see that old shack there? Clean that up properly, take out all the old hay on the floor and bed and do the walls and floor... There's water in the well over there, and you should find an old bucket in there. Let me know if there aren't rags, I'm sure I could find some... Go ahead and start.. I'll be with you in a moment to give you further instructions..."

He smiled and walked into an old shed, scrambling in some of the mess that was kept there.

Danielle:

She must have fallen asleep at one point because she awoke to Kate yelling


" GOOD GOD !!"

leaping up from where she was sitting she ran and shut the door to her room, scowling at Kate

" that is not for you to have a concern with " she softened a bit " He will be fine, do not worry dear one."

she looked outside,

" you should be going, its almost dawn, and he will be missing you"

smiling at Kate she handed her a bundle with several potions, and a loaf od bread

" go in peace child, and come to visit me again ...soon " she smiled at Kate and opened the door for her.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ana-Lucia:


She saw the boy first come bounding out of the house, he looked joyous.

He skipped over to the coach and beamed up at her, she let out a soft chuckle at his excitement, and pated the coach seat for him to come up in.

" Come on then" she smiled, " whats your name, young man?" smiling at him.

She hoped Rose would arrive soon.

Crazy Libby

She stood there as he did the same in silence, and she wondered if he had forgotten about their bargain and was trying to think of a way to get rid of her. Libby just continued to stand there, playing with that bit of stone, petting the shoe idly when she looked up and saw that Boone of the Carlyle estate was smiling.

Boone

"What's your name, woman?"

"It 'tis Libby, sire..."

"Do you see that old shack there? Clean that up properly, take out all the old hay on the floor and bed and do the walls and floor... There's water in the well over there, and you should find an old bucket in there. Let me know if there aren't rags, I'm sure I could find some... Go ahead and start.. I'll be with you in a moment to give you further instructions..."

Libby turned to see the old shack, and nodded to sir Boone, and walked over to the shack he had mentioned. A small table sat in the center of the room, a chair tucked beneath it, with a stone fireplace at the end of the shack. To her left was a small bed, that looked as if bugs had infested it since its occupant had left. The floor was covered in hay for insulation.

She thought it would be an easy job for the food, and smiled to herself, setting the worn shoe on the table and petting it in a loving way. Libby then patted the sole of it, and then began to work. She grabbed a broom from the corner and began to sweep the room out, only to find that piece of string holding it together wasn't structurally sound anymore, and the twigs she was using collapsed.

Libby stared at it, holding the one twig in her hand.

"Now that isn't good..."

Boone

"Libby..."

He smiled and spoke her name loud to himself as he went through the pile of old, worn rags of dresses and capes that were lying there. Finally he came up with a woolen, gray dress that weren't quite as worn as the one the woman was wearing, an old worn cape, a pair of boots that actually were still without any major holes, and an old horse cover that was nice and warm for her bed. He took all of it in his arms, and called on one of the boys to get a nice big load of fresh hay for the woman, and went back to the shack.

As he walked in he could hear her.Crazy Libby
"Now that isn't good...""Knock knock..."

His arms were too full to knock for real.

"I found this stuff...and I thought maybe you could make some use of it..."

He put it all on the table, making sure that none of it fell over her old boot, or David the cat as she called it.

"Jon is coming in a minute with some fresh hay for you. You are free to stay in this little shack for as long as you want to, and I will tell the women that you will be dining with them."

He smiled at her.

"Welcome to Carlyle manor. I will give you some more permanent work tomorrow.. as of today, this is what you need to do. Have a good day, Libby."

Desmond
The deep, dreamless sleep he'd been in was fading away, slowly, almost slowly and peacefully enough that he could imagine he was somewhere else. His legs still felt hobbled, but the implications of that were far from his mind in this strange sleep. He slept on his side, curled like a puppy, hands clutching the blankets every now and then, involuntarily - as if he needed grounding in reality after last night's hallucinations.

Light suddenly flashed across his eyes - the door had been opened. He squeezed his eyes shut against the glare as someone shrieked.

Kate
" GOOD GOD !!"

The events of the last few days flooded back into his mind and he jerked upright, suddenly realizing that the roots around his ankles had formed plant-like manacles - or, perhaps, manacle-like plants? - that (while he could walk) would prevent any type of running. He cursed under his breath.

The door slammed, abruptly, plunging him back into darkness. He sat, blinking at the spots across his eyes. He considered yelling, but remembered what had happened the last time he'd tried to get out...

Silence suddenly seemed like a good idea. He tried to listen in on anything the strange woman might be saying.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Rose

Rose awoke bright and early the next morning, heading into the kitchen to pull together a few bundles of food for their journey. She was jotting down instructions as she bustled around, writing a list for the other servants: chores to be done, things to be taken care of.

She was so captivated by her preperations that she lost track of time; and only the sight of Walt bouncing out into the courtyard and hopping into the coach drew her back, reminding her of the day's plans. She threw on a shawl, gathered up the bundles and hurried out the door, heading to the coach herself.

"My apologies, m'lady..."

Kate


" go in peace child, and come to visit me again ...soon " she smiled at Kate and opened the door for her.


Gingerly taking the bundle from her, eyes wide.

" Yes...I would very much like that."

Hesitating.

" Please...What has that man done?"

Swallowing hard, and suddenly feeling very small.

_______________________________

Mikhail The Undertaker

He arose early. Stared within his looking glass. Grunted deciding shaving was a mere annoyance.

Dressed. Loaded the wheel-barrow with the bloodied sacks.

Lifted the handles of the wooden cart and began pushing it through the muddy manure filled streets, avoiding every type of garbage and offal imaginable. People of the town doing the usual of emptying their chamber pots, assorted throw aways from their meals, such as they were, all landing in the gutter. Mixing together, despite the semi frozen ground.


Breath making clouds upon the early morning frost. Banging upon the doorway that read John Locke, Butcher.

" Open up John Locke. Your supply cart awaits you."

Pulling a woolen blanket over the one foot that managed to somehow find it's way out of the body bag.

John Locke

When a loud knocking awoke him, he sat upright, confused and disoriented. John was just having the most peculiar dream. He was in the jungle somewhere, in the rain, and had been talking with some man that looked oddly like the master of the Carlyle estate. He had tossed him some metal tube, and had fallen upon something on the ground. Something hard. Something metal.

And those numbers returned to him: 4 8 15 16 23 42. And something else, this time a word, the name of a place that seemed familiar to him, although I could not picture it in his mind: Hatch.

And then Locke heard the sound of the undertaker calling to him from outside.

Mikhail The Undertaker

"Open up John Locke. Your supply cart awaits you."

John pulled himself from his bed, grunting slightly, still dressed in his clothes from the day before, his apron discarded on the floor. He threw open the shudders, sticking his head out the window, and catching the sight of Mikhail standing at his door, a cartload of 'meat' behind him.

"What the hell, Mikhail? I told you to take that stuff 'roudn back when you delivered it? What do you want to do, make me go out of business? Hurry up then!"

Locke closed the shudders forcefully, shaking his head, making his way to the backdoor and preparing the shed for its latest arrivals. As soon as Mikhail got around here, they'd load all the cargo out of the cart and into here. Hopefully he'd be able to cut up all the meat before they started to smell, that was never good.

" Come on then" she smiled, " whats your name, young man?" smiling at him.

Walt smiled back. "M'name's Walt - jus' Walt."

"My apologies, m'lady..."

Walt saw Rose arrive and a great big grin peeled open onto his face. He just couldn't believe his luck even after so many hours.

Ana-Lucia:

Walt smiled back. "M'name's Walt - jus' Walt."

She smiled back him, " Pleased to make your acquaintance Walt "

She saw Rose Hurring and GEt in the coach

"My apologies, m'lady..."

" Tis' Nothing " she smiled and waved for the Coach master to start their journey.

They had a very long journey ahead of them and she opened a curtain covering the window as they entered the forest.

Turning back to the boy

"Have you ever ridden in a coach before,?"

"Have you ever ridden in a coach before,?"

Walt shook his head and replied rather darkly, "No, but I've cared for many 'fore. Usually I cared for them horses, but sometimes for the coaches."

He immediately ducked his head under the window as some man trumped along. He peeked up when that man disappeared and rolled his eyes.

"They all look the same."

Danielle:

Gingerly taking the bundle from her, eyes wide.

" Yes...I would very much like that."

Hesitating.

" Please...What has that man done?"

Swallowing hard, and suddenly feeling very small.

Danielle stared at her, torn inside, to tell the truth of what kind of person she was or to lie, and deepen her pain.

She looked away and said

" He has caused great malcontent among the Duke. " she looked back at Kate

" Bless thee child,"

She slipped a small parchment in the package listing the potions

1- Sleep serum ( ~~use only a drop!! )
1- Healing balm ( pour on any wound )
1- obedience tonic ( drinking this puts anyone within your power )

She smiled at Kate and waved at her,

" Fare the well!"
__________________________________________________ _________

Kate and Mikhail Bakunin

Having no choice but to accept this explanation. She nodded and began running towards home. The flap of her boot toe snagging on a root and causing her to sprawl on her face.

Getting back up and running instead towards the town. Entering the Undertaker's shop.

" Hello?"

He had just arrived back from his delivery and appeared seemingly out of nowhere from behind her.

" What do I owe this pleasure?"

Jumping a mile.

" Hello...I was wondering...Might you..Have gotten a pair of boots in?"

" You are the only one that has enquired thus far, and so they shall be yours for the taking."

Shifting her weight, looking around, the smells making her gag. The wax candles and burning sage, not doing very much to cover up the stench of decay, wafting in from the next room.

" Thank you." Nodding to him.

" It will only take but a moment to retrieve them." Beginning to walk towards the back room, spinning to smile at her. " You look weary. Would you join me for a cup of tea?

" I..." Weak smile. " Yes. Thank you."

Waiting for him to prepare it....Watching as he rearrived with the boots, placing them neatly in front of her. She immediately put them on.

" They are perfect." Taking the cup from him. " Do you know how long it has been since I've had tea?"

He stared at her with his eye.

" Why. Do.We. Continue. To. Play. This. Game?"

" What...?"

He jumped up knocking the tea out of her hand and smacked her.

" Do you truely believe I do not know who you are?! That you have not been sent?!"

Grabbing her parcel given to her by Danielle, and running out the door.

Desmond

He thought he heard the door slam, but he wasn't sure. He managed to sit up again, staring at the crack of light under the door to this room....hoping someone would open the door already.
___________________________________________

Rose

Ana-Lucia:
" Tis' Nothing " she smiled and waved for the Coach master to start their journey.

Rose smiled, leaning back in her seat, her coat gathered around her shoulders as she set her bundles on the floor. She listened to Lady Ana and her new friend talk.

Ana-Lucia:
"Have you ever ridden in a coach before,?"

Walt

"No, but I've cared for many 'fore. Usually I cared for them horses, but sometimes for the coaches."

Rose frowned, slightly. He's just a boy, he should be playing and having fun, not working...

"They all look the same."

"They usually do, child. There's not much to make 'em special."


___________________________________________
Ben


Ben didn't wake early; he didn't really need to. Instead, he slept until the sun was already up, and a little more - trying to recapture his dream. It was changing, slowly, now. Ending with his guards killing off the threat. Surely that was a sign of things to come.

He dressed, quickly, and stuck his head out the window, catching another one of his pigeons. He scribbled a hurried note

-Danielle: some of my men will be there shortly to take him into custody. I will arrive shortly...-B.

And sent the bird on its way, dispatching three soldiers with orders to go to the swamp witch's house and make sure things were...safe. They were trustworthy men - Daniel, Richard and Ryan - and they wouldn't let him down.

Once they were gone, he left himself, winding his way through the streets and alleys of his village until he reached a very small alley. He headed down it - narrowly avoiding getting run down by a distressed young woman - and knocked on the furthest door.

"Mikhail?"

Danielle:

After Kate left she went back to her door, opened it and stood there staring at the man.

" who are you really? and why does the duke disdain thee so? "

She heard a carrier pigeon land and glared at him, shutting the door she went over to it and pulled off the note:


-Danielle: some of my men will be there shortly to take him into custody. I will arrive shortly...-B.

damn..she hated having guards and such here, she quickly made preparations in case she should need to control the situation. Once she was done she opened the door again and left it open going about her business,

she spoke to him as she prepared a meal

" The duke is sending his envoy to make sure it is safe for him to come " she looked over at him " you would do well to tell me the truth "

Desmond
Danielle:
" who are you really? and why does the duke disdain thee so? "


Desmond opened his mouth to reply when she seemed to hear something. The door shut again, and he sighed in frustration.

And then the door opened again, and the woman spoke through it as she worked.

" The duke is sending his envoy to make sure it is safe for him to come " she looked over at him " you would do well to tell me the truth ""T-the Duke?" Had that strange man been the duke, then? But it still didn't make any sense... "I don' know what I did. I don't even know how I got here. I just turned this key an' everythin' went white and then...I was 'ere..." He looked at her, trying not to sound as scared as he felt. "And there's no button, no computah, no way to set it all right again..." His accent thickened with the stress. "I don't even know what to do...I don't even know what he wants me for...I just..." He trailed off, feeling lost. "I don't know."

Shannon

Shannon woke late the following morning. She sat up and swung her legs out of the bed, gritting her teeth against the cold, frowning at the empty hearth.

She dressed herself, too stubborn to call her maid. It took a long time, and she felt that the look didn't have the same effect as when someone else dresses her. She stared at herself in the looking glass for a long time, before finally making her way to the Great Hall to break her fast.

She noticed there was a good fire going in here, and felt a pang af annoyance. She sat at the table close to the fire, and began eating the food the servants had brought her in silence.

When she had finished, she spoke to the servants attending her. "I intend to go to the market place today. I expect a fire in the hearth in my chamber when I return, and a little more respect." Shannon said, her nose in the air.

She rose from the table, ignoring the servants. She went back to her chamber and put on her fur, a new wave of resentment for Boone selling her other furs washed over her.

Shannon made her way out of the manor and down towards the gate alone. Who needed handmaidens? The market place couldn't be that dangerous.

As she neared the gate, she noticed her brother at the little unused shack. What on earth is he doing down there?

She called out to him. "Brother? What are you doing?"

Danielle:

"T-the Duke?" Had that strange man been the duke, then? But it still didn't make any sense...

" yes, the duke Benjamin Linus "

"I don' know what I did. I don't even know how I got here. I just turned this key an' everythin' went white and then...I was 'ere..." He looked at her, trying not to sound as scared as he felt. "And there's no button, no computah, no way to set it all right again..." His accent thickened with the stress. "I don't even know what to do...I don't even know what he wants me for...I just..." He trailed off, feeling lost. "I don't know."

immediately she wondered if he was in fact a threat,

"what is this key you speak of?" her mind racing trying to comprehend what he was saying.. " and what is a 'computah' " she mimicked his way of saying it.

__________________________________________________ ____________

Ana-Lucia:


They were now in the thick of the forest, and she relaxed a bit taking in the smells of this place she loved so much.

" So" she spoke to both of them " where are the child's parents?"

she glanced up at teh high noon sun, they would arrive in 4 hours or so.

Sawyer

James had ridden the town and surrounding areas all night and into the morning. He had not slept or ate since then and his fear was beginning to ge the better of him. Suppose something had happened to her? Suppose she'd been taken by someone who wanted to do her harm? And worse yet, supposed she was dead?

James would never forgive himself for the things he'd said to her, the way he'd treated the woman he loves so much. It was unforgiveable and he hated himself for it. He vowed he'd tell her he loved her, he'd tell he wanted to marry her and have lots of little ones and anything else as long as she was safe.

He found himself on the road that led back to his home. He'd gone in a complete circle and was nearing home. The plan to rob the coach would have to wait until she was back in his arms.

"She needs to be home." He said. "I need her home."

BooneShannon
"Brother? What are you doing?"He turned to see his sister.

"Shannon! Good morning,dear sister."

He walked up to her.

"I met a woman yesterday... she was homeless and asked me for money... and I told her to come here today so that I could put her to work and she could earn food and a place to sleep... I intend to find some chore for her to do around here, and in return, she gets to stay and eat here."

Looking at her up and down, admiring her, although the dress wasn't completely new.

"You look nice... I'll try to get the last rabbits I need for your cape today, so that I can go in and get it for you tomorrow..."

Smiling at her.

Desmond

Danielle:
"what is this key you speak of?" her mind racing trying to comprehend what he was saying.. " and what is a 'computah' " she mimicked his way of saying it.

He gulped, and set about trying to explain as best he could.

"The computer...uh....it's a box, like....it runs on electricity, and I had to enter these numbers in every hundred an' eight minutes or..." He shook his head. "Something bad would happen. Like...this, I guess."

Did this effect the whole world? Or just that island...?

"The key turned off...whatever it was, I guess, and then...you know the rest." He spread his hands, trying not to look as scared as he felt. "I didn;t do anythin', I swear. And I'm sure you know what he'll do t'me, if he's the man I think he is..." He bit his lip, watching her through the door.

__________________________________________________ ____________
Rose
Ana-Lucia:
" So" she spoke to both of them " where are the child's parents?"


She looked down at Walt before looking back at Ana. "I do not know, m'lady."

Kate

With the satchel that Danielle had given her and her new boots from the psychopathic Undertaker. She trudged towards her hut, not certain how long she would actually stay there. But feeling beholden to at least attend the stagecoach robbery on his behalf.

Aside from the fact that she had a deep distrust of Lady Cortez...

Hearing a horse from behind her down the road. Recognizing instantly the cantor, pulling her cape around her tighter and continuing to walk. Pretending that she did not know who was headed in her direction.




Mikhail Baukanin, Undertaker

Sneering as the Squire ran out the door.

Now he was finishing up his lunch of leg of something or another. Eating it with one hand, ripping the meat off the bone with his teeth, with a slurp sound, nearly grunting.

With the other he tore the heart and intestines from the latest victim brought to him from a poor local family.


"Mikhail?"


" Baah!" Placing his lunch carefully on the plate. Walking to the doorway and greeting him there still holding the organs.

" Yes. Benjamin. How may of be of service to you?"

Sawyer

Hearing a horse from behind her down the road. Recognizing instantly the cantor, pulling her cape around her tighter and continuing to walk. Pretending that she did not know who was headed in her direction.

He was only half way paying attention to the road. James was almost to the point of tears with worry about Kate. He'd been everywhere looking for her and hadn't found her or anyone who had even seen her.

He noticed a figured walking on the road in front of him. James noticed that the figure looked familiar but brushed it off as just one of the townspeople. He rode past, tipping his hat but kept going.

Kate

His horse kicked up dirt into her face.

HE has the AUDACITY to tip his hat to me? I shall send the boars into his bed before he ever has me there!

Eyes narrowing, pouting a little, walking and walking...

Finally arriving home and having to crawl through the secret entrance at the back. Sighing at the still full bathtub and the fireplaces burned down to mere ashes. Dismally cold, she sat on her bed of hay. Beginning to sharpen her sword for the robbery.

Sawyer

Finally arriving home and having to crawl through the secret entrance at the back. Sighing at the still full bathtub and the fireplaces burned down to mere ashes. Dismally cold, she sat on her bed of hay. Beginning to sharpen her sword for the robbery.

As James passed the figure, he thought it might have been vaguely familiar but he realized his thoughts were still on Kate. He put his horse away in the stable. He took the saddle off of him and placed it on the railing. "I know boy," James said, rubbing his snout. "I miss her too." James walked over to Kate's horse. He petter her snout as well. "I want her home too."

James walked back toward Kate's place. He'd knock once more and see if she might have come home during the night. She couldn't possibly be there, but he thought he'd try anyway.

He knocked on the door. "Kate, please be there." He said softly.

Danielle

He gulped, and set about trying to explain as best he could.

"The computer...uh....it's a box, like....it runs on electricity, and I had to enter these numbers in every hundred an' eight minutes or..." He shook his head. "Something bad would happen. Like...this, I guess."

Did this effect the whole world? Or just that island...?

"The key turned off...whatever it was, I guess, and then...you know the rest." He spread his hands, trying not to look as scared as he felt. "I didn;t do anythin', I swear. And I'm sure you know what he'll do t'me, if he's the man I think he is..." He bit his lip, watching her through the door. Staring at him, utterly confused. she became convinced he was very important and spoke to him

" I do not understand...but I do understand you are not who the duke thinks you are "

she went to him extending a hand to pull him up, you must leave,..get away go now while you can "

she handed him a cloak and a loaf of bread

" I will tell them you over powered me ,but you must travel south away from here.. and stay off the main roads!"

__________________________________________________ _______________

Ana-Lucia:


Rose looked down at Walt before looking back at Ana. "I do not know, m'lady." She looked at the boy

" speak up boy, where are your parents? "

Ben

Mikhail Baukanin, Undertaker
" Yes. Benjamin. How may of be of service to you?"

He took one look at Mikhail's hand and had to avert his eyes to fend off the sick feeling in his stomach. "Er. Yes. Mikhail. I will have a job for you later today..." He kept his eyes fixed on a point past the Undertaker's shoulder. "I'll need it taken care of, fast, no funeral, and I do not want him to wind up in Locke's shop." He moved his gaze to Mikhail's eyes. "Understand?"

________________________________________


Desmond

Danielle

"I do not understand...but I do understand you are not who the duke thinks you are "

He watched in amazement when she came in, holding out her hand to help him to his feet.

"you must leave,..get away go now while you can"

she handed him a cloak and a loaf of bread

" I will tell them you over powered me ,but you must travel south away from here.. and stay off the main roads!"
He slid the cloak over his shoulders, watching his feet as the roots faded. He nodded. "T-thank you...I'll pay you back, somehow, I promise." And he darted out the door, heading for the treeline, towards the south.

________________________________________

Danny
Danny was displeased. Here he was, slogging through the mud and murk of a swamp to see the Swamp Witch that even Ben was afraid of. Richard and Ryan followed behind him, each leading one of Ben's wolves.

No one trusted these swamps.

The birds in the trees were carrion birds - crows, ravens, birds of death. The mud burbled like a boiling cauldron.

So, yes. Danny was displeased. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword as the three soldiers came to the Swamp Witch's clearing. It wouldn't do for others to see his nerves faulter, so he marched up to her front door, banging on it with a closed fist. "Open up, in the name of the Duke!"

Danielle:

The man ran out of her home and she watched him leave not 15 minuets later she heard a shout from outside

"Open up, in the name of the Duke!

She clenched her teeth and grabbed a vial off her shelf. Hiding it behind her back she opened the door and stared at the men

" yes? "

using her fingers to unscrew the lid as she waited for their response. Her plan would be to get this potion on each of them.. and then they would be under her control.

Kate


"Kate, please be there."



Flinging the door open, sword sharpened.

Sliding it into her belt, patting him on the shoulder as she walked towards the stables.

" Master Ford. Of course I am here. Where else would I be?"

___________________

Mikhail The Undertaker


"Er. Yes. Mikhail. I will have a job for you later today..." He kept his eyes fixed on a point past the Undertaker's shoulder. "I'll need it taken care of, fast, no funeral, and I do not want him to wind up in Locke's shop." He moved his gaze to Mikhail's eyes. "Understand?"


" Of course I understand Duke Linus. Do not speak to me as an imbecile, if you would be so kind?"

Accidently dropping a spleen upon the wooden floor. Annoyed look and attempting to pick it up, slipping, and finally succeeding.

" Now please tell me of what size would this individual be per chance, so that I may adjust my tools properly on my table."

" I do the work of a formerly great army surgeon. The only difference is now I help them not to remain within this life...but prepare them for the next."

Sawyer

Flinging the door open, sword sharpened.

Sliding it into her belt, patting him on the shoulder as she walked towards the stables.

" Master Ford. Of course I am here. Where else would I be?"

His heart sank. Didn't she know he'd been worried sick about her? Couldn't she imagine him riding all over the village trying to find her? All he could do was think of her and she didn't even know he'd gone looking for her.

"I came out here lookin' for you last night, to apologize, and you were gone. I was frantic." He said walking up to her. "You were gone and I couldn't find you. What if somethin' happened to you, Kate. What would I do?" He said softly.

Kate

"I came out here lookin' for you last night, to apologize, and you were gone. I was frantic."

Continuing to strut towards the barn.


He said walking up to her. "You were gone and I couldn't find you. What if somethin' happened to you, Kate. What would I do?" He said softly.


Stopping, eyes hurt looking at him frankly.

" I do not know my Lord. Perhaps reclaim the properties you have so generously bestowed to me?"

Snapping her mouth shut and pushing the lump in her throat back down deep where it belonged.

Sawyer

Stopping, eyes hurt looking at him frankly.

" I do not know my Lord. Perhaps reclaim the properties you have so generously bestowed to me?"

Snapping her mouth shut and pushing the lump in her throat back down deep where it belonged.

She cut him with what she said. He looked down at the ground. He stepped a little closer to her. "I would never do that to you." He said. "What I said last night, dear Kate, was wrong. I was wrong."

She was so beautiful and he couldn't help but gaze at her. He tried to gaze into her eyes but she kept her head down. He lift her chin to look at him. "I'm sorry." He couldn't stop himself. He leaned down and kissed her softly. He pressed his lips to hers and slowly broke them apart. He leaned in and kissed her again, wrapping his arm around her tiny waist. A soft little groan escaped his lips as he tasted her kiss.

Kate

Feeling the kiss from the roots of her hair down to her toes. Hands going automatically up to his shoulders and squeezing.

Breaking away and staring at him.

" We...Cannot allow that again."

I'm not...good enough.

Sawyer

" We...Cannot allow that again."

I'm not...good enough.

"'Course we can. Lest you forget, our parents are dead. It's up to us now." James said. "Do you want me, Kate? Do you want me like I want you?"

All thought of robbing the coach were long since gone. "Nothin' has to be like it was." He said. I love you!! I love you with everything in my being!!

Kate


'Course we can. Lest you forget, our parents are dead. It's up to us now." James said. "Do you want me, Kate? Do you want me like I want you?"

All thought of robbing the coach were long since gone. "Nothin' has to be like it was."



" Aye...but it IS as it was..." Shaking her head and blushing almost violently.

" It matters not what I want...or who I am or what my needs may be. Do you not understand that no woman in this land or the next is like me?"

Saying it softer...

" You think currently with the wrong brain...and your heart speaks too loudly for the world we live in. Guard it M'Lord...It will only permit other to trample upon it should it be exposed too freely."

Tears in her eyes, and backing away.

" Aye...but it IS as it was..." Shaking her head and blushing almost violently.

" It matters not what I want...or who I am or what my needs may be. Do you not understand that no woman in this land or the next is like me?"

Saying it softer...

" You think currently with the wrong brain...and your heart speaks too loudly for the world we live in. Guard it M'Lord...It will only permit other to trample upon it should it be exposed too freely."

Tears in her eyes, and backing away.

He listed to what she said, and she was right. She was always right. He reached out and held her hands softly. "I asked you if you wanted me? Do you Kate? Do you love me?"

Tell me, tell me you love me!!

Kate


"I asked you if you wanted me? Do you Kate? Do you love me?"


She yanked him downward into another kiss, green eyes peering into his and stepping back away.

" Do you need to hear the words you can see ?"

Spinning around and walking into the stable, beginning to pull down his saddle blanket, tack equipment, reins....placing them all on his horse one by one carefully as she had done a million times. Finally the saddle. Pulling on the straps.

Sawyer

" Do you need to hear the words you can see ?"

He watched her walk away. He stood there watching her and thinking about the kisses they shared. Not yet, dear Kate. I can live without the words for now.

Walt

"They usually do, child. There's not much to make 'em special."

Walt swallowed lightly. Their personalities make 'em special...

" So" she spoke to both of them " where are the child's parents?"

Walt simply pretended that he didn't hear Ana. He leaned against the window more forcefully, fixing his eyes on the trees. He focused his mind on the purple feathers snugly stuck in his pocket...

She looked down at Walt before looking back at Ana. "I do not know, m'lady."

Walt felt Rose look down at him, but he refused to meet her gaze. Concentrating on the trees, he felt his teeth pierce his bottom lip. I'm not gonna speak...I'm not gonna speak...

She looked at the boy

" speak up boy, where are your parents? "

Walt couldn't take it anymore. His teeth broke through the skin over his bottom lip and his eyes welled up with tears. Without turning to look at Ana or Rose, he spoke only one word.

"Dead."

Danny

Danielle:

" yes? "



Danny squared his shoulders, looking tough and loosening his sword. "We're here to make sure it is safe for the Duke to come and take his prisoner into custody. Which means, we have to make sure you actually have a prisoner to hand over." He pushed a step in through the door, trying to ignore the jangling of the wolves' collars behind him. "Step aside."

__________________________________________




Mikhail The Undertaker
" Of course I understand Duke Linus. Do not speak to me as an imbecile, if you would be so kind?"

Accidently dropping a spleen upon the wooden floor. Annoyed look and attempting to pick it up, slipping, and finally succeeding.

" Now please tell me of what size would this individual be per chance, so that I may adjust my tools properly on my table."

" I do the work of a formerly great army surgeon. The only difference is now I help them not to remain within this life...but prepare them for the next."

"I never thought I was talking to an imbecile, Mikhail." You're just difficult. He finished in his mind. He tried to shove the thought of Mikhail as a doctor away. It was just too...too...something.

"And..." Ben thought back. "Moderate build...little on the slender side...and tall." Further mental estimates. "About your height..." He smiled again. It wasn't a nice smile. "And he'll be a mess, but that won't bother you much, will it."

If only it were easier to ignore the smell...


__________________________________________

Rose
The child was quiet, still...his small body seemed tense. She turned her gaze away; better to give him some semblance of privacy when he spoke.
Walt

"Dead."

Rose - for the second time - felt her heart go out to the boy. She touched his shoulder gently, opening her arms for if he wanted a hug - not pushing, but offering all the same.

Walt

Walt refused to cry. He jutted his chin out stubbornly and continued to fix his eyes on the trees. He refused to turn and look at Rose and Ana. He was very certain now that they were going to rid of him. Who wanted some little orphan anyway? What had he done to make them think he was worthy of keeping?

Walt slipped his hand into the uneven pocket stitched onto the back of his ragged shorts and felt the purple feathers sleeked against his fingers. He blinked back the tears. He didn't care. 'Course he didn't.

Rose - for the second time - felt her heart go out to the boy. She touched his shoulder gently, opening her arms for if he wanted a hug - not pushing, but offering all the same.

Walt felt Rose touch his shoulder. Suddenly, he was filled with distant memories of his mother. Maybe a normal child would have found himself in Rose's arms before he knew it. But Walt didn't. Instead, he turned to look at Rose. Without words, without any physical movement at all, he managed to express his gratitude and his love for his new motherly figure.

Danielle:

Danny squared his shoulders, looking tough and loosening his sword. "We're here to make sure it is safe for the Duke to come and take his prisoner into custody. Which means, we have to make sure you actually have a prisoner to hand over." He pushed a step in through the door, trying to ignore the jangling of the wolves' collars behind him. "Step aside."She scowed at him as he pushed into her house. getting the potion ready to splash on him, she stepped aside slightly and said glancing back as if someone was coming

"look out!"

with that she threw some of the potion onto his face, and smirked knowing soon he would be under her control for as long as the potions effects lasted.


__________________________________________________ ____

Richard:

Standing in the murky water, Richard was bored this was so routine.. why did the duke need three of us again? Suddenly he jerked.. sure he felt something swim by his leg. Keeping a hand on his sword as Danny spoke to the witch, he glanced over at Ryan who seemed just as bored.

Danny pushed into the small house and within seconds the witch had thrown something in his face. He unsheathed his sword and marched over to the door, keeping back some afraid of what she was capable of of.

" You Dare interfere with the Duke's Business? " he cast a steely glare at her, not showing his fear,

he glanced at Danny, what has she done to him?
__________________________________________________ _________________

Ana-Lucia:


Walt couldn't take it anymore. His teeth broke through the skin over his bottom lip and his eyes welled up with tears. Without turning to look at Ana or Rose, he spoke only one word.

"Dead."She took in a small gasp, she felt such sympathy for this child

She saw the same sympathy wash over rose and rose opened her arms too him

but the boy didn't hug her but lifted his chin and smiled in thanks.

She smiled back at the two

" Well, now you are apart of this family "

She had always loved children, but never intended to have one of her own.

"We will Arrive in Bronshire, in about 2 hours.. we will spend at least 3 there and then make our return journey once we have sold the wine and done a bit of shopping "

she smiled broadly glad to have company on this journey.

She smiled back at the two

" Well, now you are apart of this family "

She had always loved children, but never intended to have one of her own.
"We will Arrive in Bronshire, in about 2 hours.. we will spend at least 3 there and then make our return journey once we have sold the wine and done a bit of shopping "

she smiled broadly glad to have company on this journey.

Walt

Walt's heart swam in golden happiness. This was like one of the fairy tales you would find in a book. There was always a happy ending. Walt felt like bouncing up and down in his seat, but instead he stayed securely seated with a wide smile on his face.

Suddenly, he frowned lightly and said, "Can we avoid going near the stables, please, marm?"

((OOC - Sorry about the slow replies guys, my internet at home has gone kaput!!!))

Shannon

Boone

"I met a woman yesterday... she was homeless and asked me for money... and I told her to come here today so that I could put her to work and she could earn food and a place to sleep... I intend to find some chore for her to do around here, and in return, she gets to stay and eat here."

"What? In one breath you tell me there is no money, and in the next you tell me we are hiring more servants?" Shannon hissed.


Looking at her up and down, admiring her, although the dress wasn't completely new.

"You look nice... I'll try to get the last rabbits I need for your cape today, so that I can go in and get it for you tomorrow..."

Smiling at her.

Shannon glared at Boone. "Good. It is getting colder everyday, I will need at least one new fur."

Shannon turned and started to walk away. "I am going to the market, Boone, I do not know when I may be back."

Danielle:

one of the other guards came up to her " You Dare interfere with the Duke's Business? " he cast a steely glare at her, not showing his fear, She smirked at him seeing his fear quite easily

" yes. I do.."

Richard Alpert:

She smirked at him, and he felt chills all down his spine.. this woman scared the heck out of him

" yes. I do.." He glanced back at Ryan, looking for his support

" Where is the prisoner?! " he demanded sword fully drawn

Danielle:

She smiled a devilish grin

" He is safe. Unless you wish to share this man's fate" she gestured down at Danny " I suggest you leave now and the Duke that the prisoner escaped "

Richard Alpert:

He stared in stunned silence, if he returned without Danny and the prisoner he would surly face a sever punishment.

" I am afraid I cannot do that witch " he pointed his sword at her, " Release our captain and tell us where the prisoner is "

Danielle:

Laughing at him she bent down to Danny's ear the potion now in full effect

" but you don't want to leave do you? " she said as if speaking to a child

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ana-Lucia

The boy lit up, smiling from ear to ear, she smiled back at his joy,

he seemed to want to bounce around in excitement, then he sobered up slightly as he said

"Can we avoid going near the stables, please, marm?"
She arched an eyebrow suspicious of his past,

" Certainly young one, you can accompany Rose to the fabric store whilst I sell the wine "

she smiled back at him making a point to remember to find out about him when they returned.



(http://www.thefuselage.com/Threaded/report.php?p=1553464)

Charlie

Charlie woke where he had fallen the previous night, in the gutter. his busking the previous day had earned him just enough to spend a good night in the tavern, and his head felt the worse for it this morning.

He sat up, and made his way over to the horses drinking trough on the side of the street. He washed his face in the freezing water, and cleaned few small stains off his clothes. He dug his hands in his pockets and pulled out a few small coins. Just enought to get a small loaf of bread.

He made his way over to a stall and bartered for a loaf. He savoured the taste of it, the first bread he had had in longer than he could remember.

His lute over his shoulder, he looked around the town. He was never going to be any kind of success playing for pennies on the street. He needed to get back to playing in the houses, the castles and manors.

He looked up, and saw Duke Ben's Castle looming over the town. He had seen a pretty woman wandering the streets with handmaidens, clearly rich, and definately not from around here, and had heard rumour that she was staying with Duke Ben. Perhaps she would appreciate some fine music.

He made his way up to Duke Ben's place.

He reached the door, and rang the bell. He hoped that by some miracle the young woman herself would answer, not one of Duke Ben's servants.

Danny

"Look out!"
That was the oldest trick in the book, and Danny didn't fall for it. He opened his mouth to snarl another order when the potion hit him in the face. He took a step back, eyes widening slightly.

Why...was he here? Why did he have a sword? Danielle was a kind woman; she didn't need force...

Richard was protesting...why did he have to be so difficult?

Richard Alpert:
" Where is the prisoner?! " he demanded sword fully drawn.

Danny just sat down, grinning foolishly. There was a prisoner, wasn't there? Ah, well...that'd be something for another day. Danielle was talking again.


Danielle:
" He is safe. Unless you wish to share this man's fate" she gestured down at Danny " I suggest you leave now and the Duke that the prisoner escaped "The idea of telling the Duke - of anyone telling the Duke - didn't make him feel good. Good thing it would be them telling, huh? Danny half giggled.

Richard Alpert
" I am afraid I cannot do that witch " he pointed his sword at her, " Release our captain and tell us where the prisoner is "Danny looked up at Richard, eyes crossing. Why are you being so difficult? Just listen to her...

Danielle:
Laughing at him she bent down to Danny's ear the potion now in full effect

" but you don't want to leave do you? " she said as if speaking to a childDanny shook his head, laughing slightly. "Naaaah, why would I? 's nice here..."

_______________________________________

Rose
" Certainly young one, you can accompany Rose to the fabric store whilst I sell the wine " "Of course. And then the candy store." Rose shook her coin purse. "I have a few extra coppers that need spent..."



_______________________________________

Desmond

Fifteen minutes. Desmond was a fast man, but the last few days had taken their toll on him. Sore feet, sore back, everything was sore. He hadn't eaten since the drugged food the other day. "Once I get back home," he panted, If I get back home..."I'm never skippin' meals again...." He kept talking to himself. It made him feel better.

Fifteen minutes, however, in the current shape he was in...it wasn't far. Not at all. The path was hard, tricky through the mud. But he was going to be stubborn. For all he knew that woman would get in big trouble for this. He couldn't afford to get caught. His ankle caught in a root, and he hit the muddy ground. He stayed on his hands and knees for a minute, cursing in a long stream of stress-fueled-profanity.

And then he heard the howling.

...

he wasn't quite as tired anymore.


Ryan

Ryan watched the confrontation with boredom, shifting to keep ahold of both wolves' harnesses. They were acting oddly, sniffing the murky ground, both snarling. He glanced up to see Richard get in a shouting match with the witch...right as the larger wolf -Ajax- began to howl. Hecter followed suit, so Ryan did the first thing that came to mind, releasing Ajax, and running to Richard's shoulder. "Come on," he mumbled behind his superior officer. "Forget about Danny, I think I found his trail."

(OOC: I am going to be gone until Saturday the 19th, so I am giving LadybirdKate permission to do with Sawyer as she sees fit.)

Sawyer

He finally followed behind her into the barn. Things were going right back to the way they were.

"Well should we address the idea of robbing the coach?" he asked with a glint in his eyes.

Richard Alpert:

His brow furrowed in confusion when he heard Danny's response

Danny shook his head, laughing slightly. "Naaaah, why would I? 's nice here..."Richard stood in utter confusion what trickery is this?

His thoughts we're broken when Ryan had called to him

Come on," he mumbled behind his superior officer. "Forget about Danny, I think I found his trail."Looking back at the wolves who certainly had a scent, he nodded to Ryan.

He looked back At the Witch

" We shall return," he spat int to the bog " The duke will not pleased with you"

Turning around sheathing his sword, he followed Ryan and the wolves.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Danielle:

Danny shook his head, laughing slightly. "Naaaah, why would I? 's nice here..."patting his head she said

" Of coarse you don't"

Gazing back out at the guard who seemed confused by all this she continued her evil grin..daring him to try and make a move.

The other guard spoke to him

Come on," he mumbled behind his superior officer. "Forget about Danny, I think I found his trail."She felt a pang of guilt inside, she had not expected them to have wolves, hopefully the man, Desmond, was smart enough to escape them.

She continued to stare at them her gaze unchanging


" We shall return," he spat int to the bog " The duke will not pleased with you"Smirking back

" I shall be awaiting your return "

the guards turned and left, she stooped down to her new prisoner

" would you like some food to eat? " she gestured her arm to have him come fully inside the house.

Claire

Wandering the halls once again with a servent following her, offering her refreshments, the young princess heard the sound of someone at the large doors. Dismissing the servent, who was continuing to insist on a refreshment, even as she wandered away, Claire headed up to a window where she'd be able to see everything at the front gates.

She looked down, letting her upper half lean against her arms as she was practically hanging out the window. She was quite bored, so anyone would be of some entertainment to her.

Looking down, she saw a young man, and smiled.

"Good sir!" She called down, a large smile on her face. "Out of my own curiousity, what brings you to Duke Benjamin's home?"

Not being able to talk to anyone about just anything, Claire didn't care if she was supposed to be hiding herself here. She needed to break free. This man didn't look like he had business with the Duke, so perhaps she'd actually enjoy a few of his words.

BooneShannon
"What? In one breath you tell me there is no money, and in the next you tell me we are hiring more servants?"He looked in disbelief at his sister. How could she be so selfish and ignorant?

"So you would rather have had me let her starve and freeze to death in town, is that so?? TRY to think about somebody else for a change, Shannon... This just makes you look spoiled and silly."

The open robes hanging around him, and he put his hands on the leather jerkin at hip height, staring at her.Shannon
"Good. It is getting colder everyday, I will need at least one new fur."Shaking his head slightly.

"You'll get ONE Shannon.. ONE fur..."Shannon
"I am going to the market, Boone, I do not know when I may be back.""Going to waste more money, are you? Well.. it's your allowance.. just don't come crying to me when it's all gone..."

He marched over to the stables, to his now fully saddled horse, grabbed bow and arrow and made sure that sword and knife was tightly secured by his waist.

"Heeeya!"

The horse obeyed his slightest command, and he rode out of the gates toward the forest.

Charlie

Charlie stood on the threshold of this great house, reminiscing about the old days, where he would be welcomed with opened arms to play for the rich folk while they danced and made merry.

Claire

"Good sir!" She called down, a large smile on her face. "Out of my own curiousity, what brings you to Duke Benjamin's home?"


Charlie looked up, startled when he heard a call. He saw the beautiful woman from the market looking down at him, smiling.

"I come to offer you entertainment, gentle maiden. I am a musician, well known in these lands, come to play for you, to make your days merry."

Charlie smiled, showing the lady his lute. "I will play for you here, on the threshold of Duke Benjamin's great house, for you to judge whether I am worthy of your attention. If I am, you must let me in, where I can play for you and your maidens while you sew and jest."

Charlie lifted the lute and started playing, his most famous song from the old days, and sang to this beautiful woman under her window.
100%
Boone "So you would rather have had me let her starve and freeze to death in town, is that so?? TRY to think about somebody else for a change, Shannon... This just makes you look spoiled and silly."

"You cannot speak to me like that!" Shannon hissed, furious. "You wonder why the servants have no respect for me when you speak to me like I am one of them?"

"You'll get ONE Shannon.. ONE fur...""Going to waste more money, are you? Well.. it's your allowance.. just don't come crying to me when it's all gone..."

He marched over to the stables, to his now fully saddled horse, grabbed bow and arrow and made sure that sword and knife was tightly secured by his waist.

"Heeeya!"

The horse obeyed his slightest command, and he rode out of the gates toward the forest.[/quote]

Shannon opened her mouth to protest, but before she could say a word Boone had mounted his horse and rode off. Shannon screamed and stamped her foot in fury.

She turned on her heel and marched back to the house. Storming into the kitchen, she saw her handmaided in an embrace with one of the kitchen boys. Furious, she sent the boy away, and ordered her maid to attend her.

"If you do not want to be fling onto the streets with the rats, you will obey me!" She shouted viciously.

They left for the town, and made their way to the market place. The stalls and beautiful objects had a soothing effect on Shannon. She soon found some beautiful jewellery, and asked for the price.

She realised, where this piece of jewellery would have been cheap to her a few years ago, she now did not have enough money to buy one quarter of it. She fell back among the crowds, and gazed at it from afar. She wanted it so badly.

She ordered her maid to keep watch, and edged her way forward, on the pretense of looking at other things on the stall. Gathering all her courage, she steeled herself towards stealing it from the stall. She knew Duke Ben's penalty for stealing, but she was a noblewoman, there was no way he would sentence her to death.

Shannon reached out a hand to take the necklace.

Ryan Pryce
Richard Alpert:

Turning around sheathing his sword, he followed Ryan and the wolves.

Ryan grinned, reaching to pat Hector on the head. "Yeah, Ajax started howling, think he caught our prisoner's scent...time to see if we can't make 'im a prisoner again, aye?"

The big man didn't wait for much of a response, letting go of Hector's harnass and taking off after the wolf, who shot after his pack leader like an arrow from a bow.

_____________________________

Desmond

The howling was getting closer, he could tell despite the eerie way it echoed from the trees. He wanted to stop and catch his breath, but couldn't stop running, not with that howling so very near.

Running away, like always. He almost laughed at the irony. He was in the wrong time, the wrong place and he still couldn't stop running. Penny's words came back to him again - "What are you running from, Desmond?" - and he thought back. "Penny, love, this time I think you'd underst-

His thought was cut short by a figure lunging out of the bushes at him, teeth flashing - Desmond did the first thing he thought of, jumping up and lashing out with a still-bare foot. His kick - luckily enough - hit the wolf between the ears, and the huge black creature stopped for a mere second, stunned. It gave Desmond the second he needed to grab a tree branch and scramble - desperatly, hands shaking - up the nearest tree.

The wolf snapped at his ankle, teeth just brushing the heel of his foot as he pulled himself higher, panting raggedly, cursing once again as he clung to the tree, eyes wild.

Sure, he was safe from the wolf now - but he was also stuck there.

_______________________
Danny



Danielle
" would you like some food to eat? " she gestured her arm to have him come fully inside the house.Danny cocked his head, thinking, before nodding. "Yes, ma'am. Please." He followed her into the house.



((OOC: Incidentally, Mojito, now do you remember Ryan? I laughed so hard when I saw him turn up in Greatest Hits.))

Claire

She couldn't help but smile as this man called back up to her. She couldn't protest before he had begun to play. Of course, she wasn't going to protest against his playing. She watched him from above, listening to the beautiful music. It was indeed something she'd love to listen to further.

"I believe that is wonderful music, dear musican." She said to him, smiling. "But I am not the master of this household, only a guest. I cannot bring someone into this home."

She smiled, still staring down at him. "But, I believe the dear Duke will want some entertainment from time to time. I shall convince my host. Please, stay right there."

She disappeared from the window and only minutes later opened one of the large doors to the manor. She looked at him, smiling. "So nice to sit you at my level sir."

She held out her hand, palm facing down. "My name is Claire." She told him, but that was all. She couldn't let anyone know she was a princess.

Richard Alpert:
Ryan grinned, reaching to pat Hector on the head. "Yeah, Ajax started howling, think he caught our prisoner's scent...time to see if we can't make 'im a prisoner again, aye?"

The big man didn't wait for much of a response, letting go of Hector's harnass and taking off after the wolf, who shot after his pack leader like an arrow from a bow.

" aye," he paused " What of Danny? What should we do? "

__________________________________________________ ___________________

Danielle:
Danny cocked his head, thinking, before nodding. "Yes, ma'am. Please." He followed her into the house.

Smiling she led him inside and latched the door.

" have a seat on the chair whilst i prepare a meal "

She took down a bowl of wild mushrooms and some cured rabbit meat, along with a chopped potato.

putting it in a kettle with water and a few herbs she set it over the hearth

" now tell me " she looked over at the new 'prisoner'

" what intentions does the duke have for that man and why does he harbor such ill will? what has the man done ? "

Ryan

Richard Alpert:


" aye," he paused " What of Danny? What should we do? "

He looked back over his shoulder at Richard. "We'll be back for him...maybe he'll break away from the witch on his own...but we gotta follow this while they have the trail..."

__________________________________________________ ___________________
Danny

Danny sat down, feeling as safe as if he were back in the Barracks; completely trusting. He watched as Danielle prepaired the food, and looked at her when she spoke.
Danielle
" now tell me " she looked over at the new 'prisoner'

" what intentions does the duke have for that man and why does he harbor such ill will? what has the man done?"Danny shrugged. Before, he would have told her to be silent; now, he thought nothing of answering the question honestly.

"The Duke believes that man - he called him Desmond - is a threat to his power, ma'am." He eyed the stew hungrily, grinning. "He didn't really do anythin' but t'Duke's been having nightmares..." He rolled his eyes before looking back at her. "And that's never a good thing, see. As for his intentions..." He drew a finger across his throat, still grinning. "We all know what the duke does when he's not happy, don't we?" He settled down his chair, wondering uncomfortably, now that he was done talking, if that would make his new friend angry.

Richard:

He looked back over his shoulder at Richard. "We'll be back for him...maybe he'll break away from the witch on his own...but we gotta follow this while they have the trail..."

" aye, very well " he followed Ryan after the wolves

"sounds like they found something! " he ran ahead to where the wolves were

__________________________________________________

Danielle:


"The Duke believes that man - he called him Desmond - is a threat to his power, ma'am." He eyed the stew hungrily, grinning. "He didn't really do anythin' but t'Duke's been having nightmares..." He rolled his eyes before looking back at her. "And that's never a good thing, see. As for his intentions..." He drew a finger across his throat, still grinning. "We all know what the duke does when he's not happy, don't we?"

She listened to him.. mind turning over this new information

speaking to herself

" so.. he is having dreams..eh..." she went to her potion rack.. " yes yes.. very good " she pulled down 5 vials and over to her shelf she pulled down a bowl. Mixing the potions just right she watched the black smoke arise from it then disappear.

Setting it aside she went to the stew and served up two bowls, handing one to Danny,

"When you are done eating you will go back to the duke and put this potion i will give you into his wine.. " she looked at him " you will not fail me will you? "

Ryan

Richard:

" aye, very well " he followed Ryan after the wolves

"sounds like they found something! " he ran ahead to where the wolves were



The first thing he saw was Ajax's black fur, stark and dark against the dead, grey trees. Higher, though, there was a flash of tan and goldenrod - a cloak snagged on a tree limb, and a foot dangling several feet above. Ryan drew to a halt, laughing.

"Got y'sel' treed, didja?" He spat into the mud, snapping a command to the wolves. "Release!" Both wolves stopped pawing at the tree, padding back to prowl behind their handler. Their quarry was clinging to the trunk, hands visibly shaking even from a good eight feet distance. "Now, what're the odds on you comin' down 'ere all peaceful-like?"

Desmond glared, eyes dark in a pale, haggard face.

"Not bloody likely, mate..." Ryan's eyes narrowed. Desmond spread his hands, leaning against the trunk to keep from falling. "Least I'm safe up 'ere..." He raised an eyebrow. "Can y'promise me t'same down there? Ah?"

Ryan growled, flinging his cloak back and pulling the concealed crossbow forward. "No. No I can't. But yer not really safe up there, either, see..." His eyes narrowed to hate-filled slits. "So you can come down, or we can drag you back to town with a crossbow bolt in yer leg, s'yer choice, really..."

He could see Desmond swallow, hard. He waited for anything Richard might want to add, but not moving his glare from Desmond's eyes, loading a heavy bolt into the crossbow meaningly.

__________________________________________________


Danielle:
"When you are done eating you will go back to the duke and put this potion i will give you into his wine.. " she looked at him " you will not fail me will you? "Danny gulped his stew down, shaking his head as he did. "Me? Fail you ma'am?" He crossed his hand over his heart. "Cross m'heart and hope to die, I swear I won't." And he smiled, loyalty shining in his eyes.

Claire

"I believe that is wonderful music, dear musican." She said to him, smiling. "But I am not the master of this household, only a guest. I cannot bring someone into this home."

She smiled, still staring down at him. "But, I believe the dear Duke will want some entertainment from time to time. I shall convince my host. Please, stay right there."

Charlie opened his mouth to speak, but before he could she was gone from the window. It had worked, she was going to give him work. In Duke Benjamin's castle nonetheless. He quickly tried to smooth his appearance, to no avail.

That's what living in the gutter does to you I suppose...

He looked up as the door opened.


She disappeared from the window and only minutes later opened one of the large doors to the manor. She looked at him, smiling. "So nice to sit you at my level sir."

She held out her hand, palm facing down. "My name is Claire." She told him, but that was all. She couldn't let anyone know she was a princess.

"That you would lower yourself to the same level as me, a humble minstrel, is honour beyond words my lady," Charlie grovelled charmingly, bowing over her hand and kissing it gently.

"Lady Claire, I am Charlie. And I am honoured that you would consider speaking to your host on my behalf."

Charlie shivered, and at that moment his stomach growled loudly. He looked up embarressed.

"Forgive me, my lady, it is a long time since I ate a wholesome meal." He said sheepishly.

Claire

She smiled as he planted a soft kiss on her hand. Looking back into the castle, then at this musician, she smiled still.

"My host has gone away on business, I believe." She said, "But I am almost a honored guest. At least, I would hope the Duke realizes it. So, I may bring you into this home if I wish."

Claire was being careless. What if this was one of the men who had been sending threats to her home? What if he had found out where the princess was hiding out and now he'd come to kidnap, or perhaps, kill?

None of those thoughts entered her mind, as she was simply happy to have someone to talk to. Though she tried to listen to the Duke when he spoke business, it just simply didn't appeal to her.

"I will speak with him once he returns." She told him, before moving aside and motioning for him to enter.

Claire
"I will speak with him once he returns." She told him, before moving aside and motioning for him to enter.

Charlie smiled broadly as the beautiful lady stood aside to let him enter the house. He stepped over the threshold, looking about him as he entered. It was many years since he had entered this house, and a lot had changed.

He turned back and bowed again to the Lady Claire.

"My lady, I thank you for showing me such kindness. I only hope my presence will not cause any ill feeling from your host."

Claire

Shutting the very large door behind her, Claire turned back to face the man, Charlie. He bowed and spoke to which she smiled once again.

"Believe me, I hope the same." She said, smirking. "The Duke likes to know when someone is brought into his home beforehand. But, I'm sure that when he knows you could provide some entertainment, he won't think of you as a mere begger, which is what he probably thinks of everyone else."

She smiled at him, leading him to a large room. Her two handmaidens inside. Claire introduced them and the two young women bowed slightly before continuing what they were doing.

Charlie

Charlie followed Claire into a room, where two other pretty maids sat. They acknowleged him briefly before continuing with whatever they were doing.

Charlie turned to Claire. "So, any requests, m'lady?"

Claire

"Well, you promised to bless me with your music." She said, walking over to a seat and sitting with the women, who seemed eager to hear.

"So, I'd like to hear more." She looked at the women, before looking back at Charlie.

Claire

"Well, you promised to bless me with your music." She said, walking over to a seat and sitting with the women, who seemed eager to hear.

"So, I'd like to hear more." She looked at the women, before looking back at Charlie.

Charlie looked at Claire sitting expectantly with the two women. He suddenly felt nervous - it was a long time since he had played properly, in an intimate situation such as this.

He swallowed, and smiled. "As you wish, m'lady"

He began to play, forgetting as he played more notes where he was. He played one of his old songs, a song of love. The story of two lovers separated by fate, but brought together by love. A tragic song. He came to the end, his eyes closed.

And the lovers, they will meet again,
beyond the hills, beyond the plane.
Together they'll be in the next life, but never hold each other in this.
He waits for her there, Beyond the stars,
To seal their love with a kiss.

Claire

As she listened to the song, she was amazed. Claire had never heard such beautiful singing, not even from the entertainers back home. She smiled widely when he finished his song.

Getting up, she went to him and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. "That was beautiful." She said. "And for that, I'll have the Duke allow you to stay. I'll convince him. So, that means I must find you a chamber to stay in."

Richard Alpert:
The first thing he saw was Ajax's black fur, stark and dark against the dead, grey trees. Higher, though, there was a flash of tan and goldenrod - a cloak snagged on a tree limb, and a foot dangling several feet above. Ryan drew to a halt, laughing.

"Got y'sel' treed, didja?" He spat into the mud, snapping a command to the wolves. "Release!" Both wolves stopped pawing at the tree, padding back to prowl behind their handler. Their quarry was clinging to the trunk, hands visibly shaking even from a good eight feet distance. "Now, what're the odds on you comin' down 'ere all peaceful-like?"

Desmond glared, eyes dark in a pale, haggard face.

"Not bloody likely, mate..." Ryan's eyes narrowed. Desmond spread his hands, leaning against the trunk to keep from falling. "Least I'm safe up 'ere..." He raised an eyebrow. "Can y'promise me t'same down there? Ah?"

Ryan growled, flinging his cloak back and pulling the concealed crossbow forward. "No. No I can't. But yer not really safe up there, either, see..." His eyes narrowed to hate-filled slits. "So you can come down, or we can drag you back to town with a crossbow bolt in yer leg, s'yer choice, really..."

He could see Desmond swallow, hard. He waited for anything Richard might want to add, but not moving his glare from Desmond's eyes, loading a heavy bolt into the crossbow meaningly.He met Ryan's gaze and looked up at the man in the tree

" You are much more valuable to us alive," he paused " You will be coming with us either way. "

he Held his sword out to the man

" so what shall it be? "
__________________________________________________ _________________

Danielle:

Danny gulped his stew down, shaking his head as he did. "Me? Fail you ma'am?" He crossed his hand over his heart. "Cross m'heart and hope to die, I swear I won't." And he smiled, loyalty shining in his eyes. Smirking her evil smirk she kissed his forehead and said

" thats because your a good boy "

going back to the potion she poured it into a vial, and handed it to him

"Once you have put it into the duke's wine, come visit me. I will have further instructions"

She smiled and took away his empty bowl of stew.

" Oh and Danny, do not speak any of this to the Duke. "

Jack

Another thing he had never been good at was emotions, feelings; anything in that line. Cleaning and dressing, Jack suited up in his light armour and left his home making sure to close the latch on his way out... He had been robbed three times while being out collecting tariffs and he didn't apperciate the hassle it entailed.

Walking through the muddy streets he sank with every step, a constant reminder of the dregg that beckoned him into a downward spiral. Hand on the hilt of his holstered sword and parchment in his hands, Jack knocked on the first house closest to his.

"Hello?" She answered, blonde and beautiful-- Barely dressed in a form fitting white robe.

Jack tried his best not to stare, "I'm here for your dues ma'am," Clearing his throat, "Name?"

"Penny Widmore," She told him, Jack's eyes focused on every word coming out of her sultry lips.

"Penny? Short for Penelope?" Jack asked as he wrote it down, she nodded and disappeared inside to obviously grab some coins. As she left, Jack kicked a foot in the mud... This woman had been living next to him for three years and he had always wanted to say something more than formalities.

"Here you go," She held out a small wool bag, "Its all in there," Jack took it from Penny's hands, their fingers touching for a split moment.

"I'll take your word for it," Jack gave her a smile and tucked it in his pocket, "Thanks ma'am."

"Penny," She corrected him, "Please call me Penny."

Jack was dumbfounded with a smile on his face and before he would reply she gently closed the door.

Lovely.

Tom

Carrying the dish with him, Tom handed the food through the bars into Michaels cell, "Here you go Mike."

The man stood and took it, "Thanks, cards still on tonight?"

Tom nodded, "Yeah as far as I know," Giving him one last smile Tom went back into the main room of the guards station.

Desmond

Richard Alpert:
He met Ryan's gaze and looked up at the man in the tree

" You are much more valuable to us alive," he paused " You will be coming with us either way. "

he Held his sword out to the man

" so what shall it be? "

"I'm not comin' down." His voice was shaking, but he managed to hold his glare steady. "You can't make me." It was a foolish attempt, he knew, but all the same. He had to try. "You'll 'ave t'come get me."



Ryan

Ryan raised an eyebrow, winding the crossbow bolt back until the crossbow was completely loaded. He kissed the point of the bolt, grinning maliciously. "Oh, y'think that, do ya?" He aimed and fired in one smooth, almost-lazy motion; the bolt thudded into the tree trunk right above Desmond's head. "I think you'll want to change your mind..." The next bolt was already being loaded.
__________________________________________________ _________________

Danny

Danielle:

Smirking her evil smirk she kissed his forehead and said

" thats because your a good boy "

going back to the potion she poured it into a vial, and handed it to him

"Once you have put it into the duke's wine, come visit me. I will have further instructions"

She smiled and took away his empty bowl of stew.

" Oh and Danny, do not speak any of this to the Duke. "
Danny beamed at the trust, beamed at this kiss - he was still acting like a child, or a puppy that's been praised. "Of course not, ma'am..." He pocketed the vial, scrambling to his feet. "I won't fail you, and I will stay silent." He headed for the door, pulling his cloak around his shoulders tight.

__________________________________________________ _________________

At about the same time, Ben's messenger was on the move; he'd left a letter on John Locke's doorstep, pausing only long enough to knock on the door once:

-John: The time has come. Please report to my Manor at once. In the name of King Jocob: Benjamin Linus, duke of Northold.

Claire

As she listened to the song, she was amazed. Claire had never heard such beautiful singing, not even from the entertainers back home. She smiled widely when he finished his song.

Getting up, she went to him and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. "That was beautiful." She said. "And for that, I'll have the Duke allow you to stay. I'll convince him. So, that means I must find you a chamber to stay in."

At those words, Jin gently pushed the door open, rapping lightly on the frame, and stepped inside with a courtly bow to the room's occupants as he stepped further into the room, stopping just at the edge of the rush-mat.

"I am afraid you will also need my clearance, Lady, for any guests staying inside of this castle." He ducked his head at Charlie. "Merely to insure the safety of all of the occupants of the Duke's castle, mind you."

Claire

She watched Jin closely as he appeared. Her smile faded as she took a step forward.

"Well, the Duke knows exactly who I am, and I believe that if I wish to hire an entertainer for this lovely home, I may do so. Am I wrong in doing so?" She put her hands on her hips, waiting for a reply. She wasn't sure if this man knew who she was, or who her father was, but if he had.. She could only guess that he wouldn't have questioned her choice.

"He's my entertainer." She said, "I've hired him for my own entertainment, so I'm sure the Duke... and, yourself, should have no problem allowing this gentleman to stay here."

Charlie

Claire

Getting up, she went to him and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. "That was beautiful." She said. "And for that, I'll have the Duke allow you to stay. I'll convince him. So, that means I must find you a chamber to stay in."

Charlie looked up in surprise as Lady Claire kissed him softly. His hand automatically went to the spot she had kissed. He smiled thankfully at her when she told him she would ensure he could stay.

"Thank you, M'Lady, I would be honoured to stay here as your guest and play for you."

At those words, Jin gently pushed the door open, rapping lightly on the frame, and stepped inside with a courtly bow to the room's occupants as he stepped further into the room, stopping just at the edge of the rush-mat.

"I am afraid you will also need my clearance, Lady, for any guests staying inside of this castle." He ducked his head at Charlie. "Merely to insure the safety of all of the occupants of the Duke's castle, mind you."

Charlie looked up as a man in Duke Benjamin's livery walked into the room. He sat quietly watching Lady Claire speak with him.

Claire
"Well, the Duke knows exactly who I am, and I believe that if I wish to hire an entertainer for this lovely home, I may do so. Am I wrong in doing so?"

"He's my entertainer." She said, "I've hired him for my own entertainment, so I'm sure the Duke... and, yourself, should have no problem allowing this gentleman to stay here."

Charlie looked at Claire, wondering who she was. She was clearly important, judging by the way she spoke to this man, but she was not revealing anything about her station.

He stood up, and bowed to her. "M'Lady, If my presence was to cause problems,I will take my leave. I would not want to disrupt the harmony of this house, and I would certainly not want to put you out of favor with your gracious host." He said, bowing to Claire, and inclining his head to Jin.

Mikhail The Undertaker

"And..." Ben thought back. "Moderate build...little on the slender side...and tall." Further mental estimates. "About your height..." He smiled again. It wasn't a nice smile. "And he'll be a mess, but that won't bother you much, will it."


" Whatever you can do to him rest assured my Duke I have seen far worse."

Feeling the sudden need to share.

" There was that time several of our soldiers returned from the Eastern lands after having had plague victims catapulted over the city walls which they had attempted to conquer. The boils popped upon the slightest touch and the maggots spilled forth from them as seeds of grain after a burlap has burst. The very skin slid off of their bones and I had no cause to even use my tools."

Sniffling and wiping his nose with a bloodied hand, leaving a streak.

" That however is no comparision to the stench of the sickness after so many within the neighboring village had used their latrines unknowingly the same stream as thier drinking supply. The foulness which emancipated from within their bowls was enough to raise Cerebrus himself from hell."
100%
Squire Kate And Master Ford ( temp with permission from Lisagwilkins)


"Well should we address the idea of robbing the coach?" he asked with a glint in his eyes.



" Certainly not."

" No?"

" No. That is why I'm handing you your reins M'Lord. For my amusement"

" Freckled face impudence will get you nowhere Kate."

" It brought you to my house again did it not?"

Smirking at him as he smirked back.

" Very well then Squire...How fast do you think we can arrive to greet the coach?"

Fixing her own black horse now, tightening, adjusting...leather squeeking in various places. The smell of hay strong in the tight space.

" Did you remember to bring your mask this time?" Not waiting for the answer and handing it to him as his mouth had just opened to speak.

Taking it from her hand with another look and a snap of the wrist.

" Do you recall when we were only children and they brought you to our home for the first time? How you fought....Dared to call my every move. Battle for battle?"

Eyes growing a bit more serious she shook her head, putting her foot, clad with the boots of the dead into the stirrup and pulled herself up. Staring down at him.

" I think sometimes it is best to leave the past where it belongs..Within the past. Of course I recall it. I drove you mad."

A look of satisfaction at that last statement.

Blinking slowly at her.

" What makes you believe you still do not?"

Claire

She turned to Charlie and lightly touched his arm with her hand. "No." She said, "I wish for you to stay. You are a wonderful musician and if I remain in this home one more day without anything kind of entertainment, I don't know what I will do."

She sighed, turning back to Jin. "I can assure you that this man is as safe as they come. Just an entertainer." She said.

Charlie

Charlie looked at Claire, wondering who she was. She was clearly important, judging by the way she spoke to this man, but she was not revealing anything about her station.

He stood up, and bowed to her. "M'Lady, If my presence was to cause problems,I will take my leave. I would not want to disrupt the harmony of this house, and I would certainly not want to put you out of favor with your gracious host." He said, bowing to Claire, and inclining his head to Jin.

Jin inclined his head back, face neutral until he offered a bland smile to the two before him and nodded. "He understand perfectly. And it is merely a precaution, as I have stated before, Lady."

Claire

She turned to Charlie and lightly touched his arm with her hand. "No." She said, "I wish for you to stay. You are a wonderful musician and if I remain in this home one more day without anything kind of entertainment, I don't know what I will do."

She sighed, turning back to Jin. "I can assure you that this man is as safe as they come. Just an entertainer." She said.

"And you know this after so little time with him?" Jin's eyes hardened as he crossed his arms behind his back, pacing the floor. "I knew of a princess once, who thought that she had allowed -just- an entertainer to stay in her father's castle..." He stopped in front of Claire, one hand covering his heart.

"But it wasn't so. In the night he murdered her father, the King, and the whole kingdom was turned upon its ear." He turned to Charlie, eyes still resting on Claire's face. "He will need the Duke's permission, and mine, and for his background to be found as safe."

Claire

At the mention of the word 'princess' Claire looked annoyed. She only hoped that Charlie wouldn't figure it out.

"Well, I approve of him, and I'm sure you will." She said firmly. "And as for the Duke, he notices nothing that goes on in his home. His mind is always on business, so he would not even notice the addition of a musician."

She was quite annoyed, but tried to remain calm. Not even here she could do one thing she wanted. It was almost like this entire castle took on the personality of her father.

Desmond and Ryan


Ryan

Ryan raised an eyebrow, winding the crossbow bolt back until the crossbow was completely loaded. He kissed the point of the bolt, grinning maliciously. "Oh, y'think that, do ya?" He aimed and fired in one smooth, almost-lazy motion; the bolt thudded into the tree trunk right above Desmond's head. "I think you'll want to change your mind..." The next bolt was already being loaded.

Desmond froze for a second before his hand went to the jagged piece of metal imbedded in the wood. He had to jerk hard to even loosen it, jerk twice to pull it free. He rubbed a finger over the tip - it was razor sharp, drawing blood when his finger slipped.

"I make them myself..." the man with the crossbow leered up at him. "Tip half of 'em with poison. Lucky for you that ain't one of 'em, or you'd have already hit the ground." He looked at his crossbow, cool as a cucumber. "This one ain't poisoned, either, but I gaurentee you it'll hurt all the same." His eyes narrowed. "Get. Down. Now."

Desmond gulped again, but swung off the branch, letting go to land on all fours on the muddy ground, head bowed. He felt metal brush his temple, and he closed his eyes, tremors running through his shoulders. "Put your hands behind your back, boy."
__________________________________________________ _________________

Danny

He looked back at Danielle, grinning. "When do you want me back?"

__________________________________________________ _________________

Ben
Mikhail The Undertaker
" That however is no comparision to the stench of the sickness after so many within the neighboring village had used their latrines unknowingly the same stream as thier drinking supply. The foulness which emancipated from within their bowls was enough to raise Cerebrus himself from hell."

Ben took a step back, twitching ever so slightly. "Very well." He thought for a second. "It may not," He amended, "Be tonight, but it would be better to prepare, just in case." He took another step back, fingers searching for the doorknob. He nodded his head, regally, before shoving the door back open and stepping out. "I bid you good day."

And then The Duke - normally a picture of dignity - all but scrambled up the alley, eager to get away from Mikhail's "shop" before any saw. He didn't slow until he was in the clear.

He slowed, and began to wind his way back through the alleys, heading back for his manor by the shortest route.

Boone

He galloped into the woods, his stallion kicked almost in a wild frenzy. White clouds from their breath lingered in the air behind them, and his mind was raging against his spoiled bratty sister. After a while he got tired, and slowed the horse down. It was time to start getting quiet, or the animals would all hide.

Suddenly voices disrupted the quiet. He dismounted his horse and led it behind him. Robbers and murderers hid in these forests, not to mention La Vengeanza who was renowned in the area. He was sneaking up on them and saw to his relief that they were soldiers from the fort, tying some guy up.

"Good morning, soldiers. I see you have caught some criminal.. what is his charges?"

Richard Alpert

Desmond and Ryan



Desmond froze for a second before his hand went to the jagged piece of metal imbedded in the wood. He had to jerk hard to even loosen it, jerk twice to pull it free. He rubbed a finger over the tip - it was razor sharp, drawing blood when his finger slipped.

"I make them myself..." the man with the crossbow leered up at him. "Tip half of 'em with poison. Lucky for you that ain't one of 'em, or you'd have already hit the ground." He looked at his crossbow, cool as a cucumber. "This one ain't poisoned, either, but I gaurentee you it'll hurt all the same." His eyes narrowed. "Get. Down. Now."

Desmond gulped again, but swung off the branch, letting go to land on all fours on the muddy ground, head bowed. He felt metal brush him temple, and he closed his eyes, tremors running through his shoulders. "Put your hands behind your back, boy."

He watched the man come down and Ryan immediately bound his hands.

A man approached with a horse, Richard tightened the grip om his sword,

Boone

"Good morning, soldiers. I see you have caught some criminal.. what is his charges?"

" His Charges do not concern you. He is an enemy of The Duke. and as such id being taken captive " he pointed his sword back into the forest " Now if would, we have a prisoner to transport "

he glared at the man, they didn't need anything else going wrong .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Danielle:

Danny
He looked back at Danielle, grinning. "When do you want me back?"
" come back as soon as you can" she grabbed his wrist to get his attention "without drawing attention to yourself "

she opened the door and watched him walk out, grinning in satisfaction Duke Linus will never see this coming,

Desmond

He didn't look up as rope was wound around and between his wrists, tightened enough to hurt, the man with the crossbow's knee in his back. He heard the horse approach, and did look up at that.

Boone

"Good morning, soldiers. I see you have caught some criminal.. what is his charges?"Desmond jerked at the ropes around his wrists, growling. "I'm not a criminal!"

"Shut it, you're a traitor to the Duke!"

His other captor spoke to the horseman.

Richard Alpert
" His Charges do not concern you. He is an enemy of The Duke. and as such id being taken captive " he pointed his sword back into the forest " Now if would, we have a prisoner to transport."



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Danny
Danielle:

" come back as soon as you can" she grabbed his wrist to get his attention "without drawing attention to yourself "

she opened the door and watched him walk out, grinning in satisfaction Duke Linus will never see this coming,Danny hurried through the woods, one task and one task alone on his mind. Doing his mistress's bidding. His loyalty to Duke Ben had disappeared into the drugged haze of his mind....

He reached the city limits quickly, and began to head back to the Duke's manor, hurridly.

He had to deliver the vial.

BooneRichard Alpert
" His Charges do not concern you. He is an enemy of The Duke. and as such id being taken captive " he pointed his sword back into the forest " Now if would, we have a prisoner to transport "He saw the man grasping for his sword and frowned.

"No need for this hostility my good man. I was merely inquiring what this criminal might have done to threaten our community..."

He knew he needed exactly two seconds to get his own sword up, so he kept his distance to the man with the drawn sword to ensure that he would have enough time to draw should it come to that.Desmond
"I'm not a criminal!"He looked into his eyes. The man did in fact look sincere and not at all dangerous in Boone's mind, but to go up against the Duke's men was both stupid and dangerous, especially for the sake of a man who might be a criminal.

"What exactly did this man do to betray our duke?"

Claire

At the mention of the word 'princess' Claire looked annoyed. She only hoped that Charlie wouldn't figure it out.

"Well, I approve of him, and I'm sure you will." She said firmly. "And as for the Duke, he notices nothing that goes on in his home. His mind is always on business, so he would not even notice the addition of a musician."

She was quite annoyed, but tried to remain calm. Not even here she could do one thing she wanted. It was almost like this entire castle took on the personality of her father.

Jin merely raised his eyebrows, shrugging his shoulders as he reached out, beckoning for the man to follow him from the room. The look on Claire's face amused him, but he kept his amusement behind a polite mask. "We shall go see the Duke now. And Lady must stay here." He bowed stiffly to Claire as he slid the door open.

Richard Alpert:

He saw the man grasping for his sword and frowned.

"No need for this hostility my good man. I was merely inquiring what this criminal might have done to threaten our community..."

He knew he needed exactly two seconds to get his own sword up, so he kept his distance to the man with the drawn sword to ensure that he would have enough time to draw should it come to that.Quote:
Originally Posted by NotAllThoseWhoWander http://www.thefuselage.com/Threaded/images/HatchMap/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.thefuselage.com/Threaded/showthread.php?p=1564010#post1564010)
Desmond
"I'm not a criminal!"


He looked into his eyes. The man did in fact look sincere and not at all dangerous in Boone's mind, but to go up against the Duke's men was both stupid and dangerous, especially for the sake of a man who might be a criminal.

"What exactly did this man do to betray our duke?"


Looking rather annoyed but panicking inside.. the duke will have my head for all this..curse that witch.

" If that concerned you we would tell you "

moving his sword about in his hand

he glanced over at Ryan and the Prisoner, nodding at Ryan to follow his lead

" Move along now, lest our wolves restraints break and some ill fortune befalls you. " he said through gritted teeth, glaring at the man.

please god let him leave

Sawyer

"What makes you believe you still do not?" The question still hung in the air as he watched her saddling the horses. As he mounted his horse, he turned and gazed at her.

He gave her a soft smile. "You still drive me wild. Did you know that?"

Claire

This man simply continued to speak to her as if he didn't know who she was. Everyone in this castle was supposed to be aware of her rank, but clearly some of them didn't care.

"Actually, I will come along if I wish." She said, getting ready to follow. "This man is my guest and I shall therefore be present when we speak with the Duke."

Kate


"You still drive me wild. Did you know that?"


Refusing to acknowledge this statement. She nudged her horse out of the barn and began to cantor towards the direction of the future coach arrival. Stopping at a place not far from the area. Pulling her own mask out, putting it on. Turning to face him.

" You take the one side and will take the other. I shall have your back, as always. They take the white side and will never expect the black. Are you ready?"

Ana-Lucia:

She looked out the small coach window, nothing but thick forest surrounded them. How many times had she slept in these forest.. she wished she could live in them. The sun was almost noon high and they were half-way there.

Smiling over at Rose and Walt, she pulled out the prepared meal her servants had made, bread and cheese, and a wine skin. She unwrapped it and broke off a hunk of bread pairing it with a piece of cheese.

She was actually enjoying the ride, and the company.

Claire

This man simply continued to speak to her as if he didn't know who she was. Everyone in this castle was supposed to be aware of her rank, but clearly some of them didn't care.

"Actually, I will come along if I wish." She said, getting ready to follow. "This man is my guest and I shall therefore be present when we speak with the Duke."

Jin shrugged again, face as bland as it always was as he waited beside the door. "You may be present, but you will not be speaking. As you have mentioned before - the Duke is a busy man, and I feel I can explain the situation much more succinctly than you."

He bowed low, hand over his heart. "My...lady."

John Locke

He was working on his third body if 'venison' that Mikhail had given to him. John had already cut away the head, and had skinned most of it. Now all he did was pick and choose the strips of best meat from the body. He did not touch any part that had been touched by the internal organs. Locke was very wary of the plague and those who fell to its victim. He was sure that all the other meat was good. It usually killed quickly, and didn't have much chance to spread...

...at least, that's what he hoped. John brought his butcher knife down, cutting and tearing, yanking the bone from its socket and setting it aside. This was hard work. This meat was very stringy in places, and some areas he could not use at all. But when it came time to it, this was all that he had to feed everyone. Deer and cows were getting rare.

And then there was a knock at his door.

Locke grew rigid, and whirled towards the door. No further knocking ensued. He placed the knife down, and made sure all the windows were securely closed. He had been working in near darkness, in fear that someone would see what he was doing. He quickly covered what he was working on, rushing to the door. John opened it, expecting someone, but there was no one. Only a note.

-John: The time has come. Please report to my Manor at once. In the name of King Jocob: Benjamin Linus, duke of Northold.

John stared at it, the red liquid that was on his hand slowly seeping into the parchment. Slowly, he wiped his brow, then looked around and went inside. Ben wanted to see him... for that job. Locke had no idea what that job was, but he had a feeling. He wanted someone dead.

He quickly washed himself off and changed, collecting a knife and putting it in his pocket, and then was out the door and walking hurridly (and nervously) towards Ben's manor. His heart beat rapidly in his chest, fearful on hearing Ben say what he wanted... afraid that he would have to do it. No matter what.

Ben finally reached the manor, and he held up the blood-soaked parchment.

"I have a letter from Duke Linus, he wants to see me..."

Sawyer

" You take the one side and will take the other. I shall have your back, as always. They take the white side and will never expect the black. Are you ready?"

"I wouldn't trust anyone else with my back, dear Kate." He smirked a little at her, pulling on his own mask and pushing his hair under his hat.

He turned to her. His mask hiding everything except his seafoam green eyes. "Do not be a hero, dear Kate. If it looks bad, we drop it and leave. Agreed?"

He gripped his reins and his eyes gazed at her. "Let the games begin!"

Kate

Tucking her own dark hair into her collar and cape, as he said...

"Do not be a hero, dear Kate. If it looks bad, we drop it and leave. Agreed?"


Smiling at him from below her mask.

" For one that proclaims to know me Master Ford...You must surely remember that I am the first one to run as a bat might from hell, at the first sign of trouble."

Chuckling.

" Kindly think upon your own words."


"Let the games begin!"


Spurring her horse towards the thicket...spinning back and staring at him.

Please...be safe. I need you to be...

Spinning and riding back to her place.

Ana-Lucia:

The bumpy road and rhythmic clunk of the wheels, blending with the sounds of the forest were very peaceful. She listened with her extra perceptive hearing soaking in the sounds, but something wasn't right. She heard something .. what was it..horses..behind them. Thats odd.Maybe just a traveler. patting the dagger safely secured under her skirt. She continued to listen, these woods were famous for scum and filth.

She glanced over at Rose and Walt who didn't seem to notice anything. Tensing up she waited to see if they would pass, or would cause trouble.