Spirits of the Earth

It was the morning before, before her world was about to change forever. Marriage, a word so particular and acute that it made her shudder at the very thought of it. She shook herself from her reverie, starring out of the window into the gardens nearby, the weather miserable, rain assaulting the ground.

She had recently been dressed by the maids, her hair in an intricate updo with all kinds of jewellery adorning it, while her dress was deep emerald green in colour, cascading gold leaf detailing draping across the expensive fabric. The hem at the top dipped, and the corset pulled her tightly together, causing her endowment to be accentuated, while her waist was cinched. In short, she looked like the Lady of the house, but her golden eyes just stared at herself in the mirror, the same image reflecting back. Make-up helped to emphasise her most prominent features, her lashes long, hugging her cheeks and her lips rosy.

Her heels clicked along the wooden floors as she exited the room, making her way to the dining hall. Guards stood at their posts, while maids bowed to her as they passed and cooks hurried to prepare the marriage banquet, ready for tomorrow.

Her eyes were lost, her mind was lost. She was dreading the moment she'd walk down in her gown and marry a man who was notorious for being cruel and lecherous. But her parents didn't care, all they cared about was the wealth of the Dewitt name and the prosperity behind it. She remembered their cruel words:

"If you don't marry him, we will cast you out, call you a whore, and forever be lost to us as a daughter. Then everyone will know how the Dewitt family doesn't tolerate weak, stupid little children, even their own child. Look at your brother, he is a prime example of an excellent son, now be the daughter you're meant to be and marry!"

The moment played over and over in her head until upon turning a corner she bumped into something hard, her head dizzying slightly at the impact.

Admittedly the blow did make Christer stagger backwards  just as he too turned the corner and he hit the side wall with a dizzying crash.  His armor clanged against the stone wall of the hallway, almost matching the clanging in his head as he tried to steady himself.  He peered at one that sent him scurrying almost half way across the entire estate and was about peel the skin off the young hooligan that wasn't watching where he was going.

"Ah!  Lady Rose!" he fumbled suddenly, straightening and standing at attention, bowing and squaring his shoulder once more.   "My apologies, my lady.  I should have paid more attention.  But ah, yes, I was looking for you, actually."

He gave her a smile and another bow, clearing his throat and trying not to make the moment anymore awkward than it already was.  "Lady Rose, your father asked me to retrieve you in preparation for the dinner rehearsal in the main hall downstairs."

She rubbed her head gingerly, the impact probably will end up leaving a small bruise or lump. It was then she caught the guard in her vision and she too stood briskly straight, making sure her posture was lady-like instead of slumping like she did when alone.

"Ah, at ease Christer, it's fine, my fault actually." She waved her hands in front of her and offered a smile of forgiveness. Christer, one her fathers top bodyguards, she had known him for a while now, having been in their company for quite some time. Brushing down her dress she tried not to respond with a scoff at her father wanting to see her.

"I see, thank you." She continued to walk, all the while her heart aching as she stared out of each window she passed, longing for freedom of the ties of the Dewitt name. To not marry was her greatest wish, but her life was set, she'd be used for the sole purpose of bearing her husbands children and retrieving a wealth beyond even their families own.

She soon approached a massive archway, two massive wooden doors opened up into a grand hall, the floor decorated with intricate art pieces representing stories from religion. Her heels clicked as she walked and Rose saw her Father shouting at a maid who had laid the dinner cloth incorrectly. She shook her head, and kept her face stoic, emotionless, it was the best she could do with these circumstances, she might as well be a puppet for she truly wasn't herself.

"Father, you wanted to see me?"

((OOC: Feel free to act out her fellow family members, they're quite the harsh bunch!))

Christer followed not too far behind Rose, keeping a respectful distance but just close enough to allow other guards to know he was in her attendance and yet not actually escorting her as he might some hooligan down into the dungeons.  He was nervous, he had to admit to himself, though he had no real reason to be.  But there was a discernible tension in the air as they entered into the main hall.

The décor was set out for the next day, and the rehearsal was assumed to go off without a hitch, must like the wedding.  Lord Dewitt was a stern man, almost as cold as the stone of Castle Dewitt.  His eyes twitched, small dark beady things that looked as if they could dissect you with the intensity of their gaze.  Christer gulped unconsciously, as he stood at the door way, bowing and keeping to the corner.

"It's about time you showed up," Lord Dewitt replied, the coldness dissipating for a brief second upon sight of his daughter.  But his disapproval was readily apparent.  "I was afraid we'd have to start without you."

She winced at his words, the disapproval of her father not foreign to her any more, yet it still ached her to know, that she wasn't the daughter of his expectations. She threatened to look back, hoping that in her eyes someone would help her, see the lost, helpless girl within them, but she didn't, her eyes fixated on her fathers as he spoke to her.

"And I suppose you think it suitable to arrive late on your own wedding day too? Bah! Preposterous!" He didn't even give time for her to answer, assuming things like he usually did, his voice echoing in the hall, all servants freezing, the air eerily quiet.

"I-I'm sorry." She could have cursed at herself in that moment for letting her voice falter. That's one thing her father didn't tolerate, weakness.

He gave her one last disapproving stare before clapping his hands, gathering everyone into position for a night of mock feasting and fun, all in preparation for the wedding. Even though the party was simply a rehearsal her father went all out as per usual, inviting guests she didn't even recognise.

As the night dragged on and the whole hall became a ballroom she took her opportunity to quickly sneak out, hoping her fathers attention was elsewhere. She leaned back against the doors, looking up at the ceiling as she just stared at it for a second, an angel reaching down on the intricate painting, almost as if it were trying to pick her up and take her away. Anywhere other than here would be like heaven, she thought to herself absently. As she stared at the painting for that moment longer, the other hand of angel's pointed across and she followed it, her eyes looking down in the general direction.

There was a door, open, into the courtyard, into the darkness and pouring rain, and her body moved by itself walking out of the door as if the angels themselves had told her to flee. 

Even Christer jumped at the force of his voice.  It was not his place, however, to question or falter at the voice of his lord and liege and Christer forced himself to straighten, peering silently at the exchange.  He knew Lord Dewitt was a hard man, but he'd never seen this side of him before.  He almost felt sorry for the poor girl.  No one deserved to have their own parent come down on them like that.

All for the sake of what?  The family name?

There you go again, Christer! he chided himself and the bodyguard's expression soured.  Know your place.  Just like your father said.  You're invisible, apart of the background, and yet everyone knows you're there.  You're nothing more than an armed decoration.  Keep your rambling thoughts squelched like normal people

That thought calmed his mind for the majority of the night, but occasionally he found his eyes lingering on Rose's soured expression, and he supposed he couldn't blame her for her reaction.  He didn't want to get married anytime soon either.  Thankfully, he had a lot less pressure on him than she did and.  Wait, where did she go?

His eyes scanned the crowd, and he moved along toward the back, until he found the open door, leading out to the gazebo and out into the courtyard.

"Lady Rose?" he called out, seeing her form in the pouring rain.  "Lady Rose!  You'll get drenched!"

She didn't think, she just ran. Her heart hammered and her hair stuck to her face as the rain soaked her to the bone in a few mere seconds, her dress ruined, clinging to her form.

She discarded the shoes as they grew muddy and dug in the grass, her feet getting soiled instead. In the distance behind her she could have sworn she heard a voice, calling after her. She risked turning her head, a faded blur of a figure running through the rain.

"Don't follow me!" She screamed her voice lost in the assault of rain as she made her way into the nearby woods.

Where in Ansgar's blue heavens was she going!?  Christer panicked and nearly slipped as he started off in a jog, getting soaked in the rain and soon following after her in a steady run.  "Lady Rose!" he called out again, his voice a little hoarse.  "LADY ROSE!  Come back!  You'll....you'll get hurt!  Where are you bloody going!?"

Christer ran faster, tripping over her discarded shoes and stumbling into the mud.  He quickly climbed to his feet, laboring as he watched her vanish into the woods.  He dusted himself off and pursued.  "Lady Rose!  Please come back!  It's dangerous!"

Branches caught in her hair as it ripped free, her intricate updo becoming a drenched mess. She clambered over low rising logs her dress making the effort that more strenuous. Her mind was blank and her actions were frantic, maybe she wanted this freedom more than she initially thought?

She recklessly started out in a run again but not until her dress caught on a stray branch, causing it to rip with an almost deafening sound. Next thing she knew she was slipping, down a muddy bank as her dress became slicken with dirt and her knees grazed upon impact.

She cried out in pain as her dress became unbearably heavy and she couldn't distinguish if she was crying or if it was just the rain.

The night was unbearably thick and made traversing the woods even more difficult.  Christer tore through the low-hanging, branches, mud sliding underneath his boots, rain tearing across his sight.  He moved a lot slower now, and had thought he lost sight of her when at last he heard a cry.  "Lady Rose!" he cried out after her, stumbling through the dark.

It was only by the grace of the moon that he thought he saw her slumped form in the mud, down a hill side and he clutched onto a tree to slide his way down there.  He stopped down at the resting curve of the slope, sliding down onto his rump beside her unceremoniously.

"Ooof!  Lady...Lady Rose!  At last I have caught up with you," he said, panting.  "Oh!  Oh dear, are you hurt!?"

Mud was everywhere, on her dress, her feet even small parts of her hair were slick with it. As Christer fell next to her she ungracefully scrambled to her feet, her hands grabbing a stray branch and holding it out in front of her as a makeshift weapon.

"D-Don't take me back, don't!" Her lips quivered as the cold of the night air turned them a slight blue, her eyes red and swollen from crying, the rain making her tears unnoticeable. There was silence now, only the pitter patter of the constant assault of rain upon the ground, if anyone were to pass by Rose, she'd be indistinguishable, not even her own father would recognise her.

As her vision cleared through the rain, she managed to make out the figure, Christer. Her compassionate side coming through, wondering if he was okay, even in moments like this. In her peripheral vision she caught site of a river, rushing waters had loosened the bank, making it flood and become unstable. She took a step back then, and another, the idea of her jumping into the freezing waters becoming more apparent. Her eyes darted behind her then back at Christer, the branch still shakily in front of her, keeping him at bay.

Then she did the unthinkable. Discarding the branch, she turned around, ran and jumped into the freezing, muddy waters of the river.

"Don't take you back? What do you mean don't take you back?  My Lady it is pouring out here!  You're drenched and cold and miserable and are not thinking rationally.  Please!  Your Father will be sick with worry and...My lady?  Lady Rose, where are you going?"

Christer suddenly turned in horror as she ran off into the river and he stood with abruptness.  "Lady Rose!"  But it was too late.   He panicked, momentarily before he dashed after her, only to get sucked into the current along with her.  He did his best to stay afloat, especially since the waters were freezing and he was weighed down by his armor.

Christer sputtered, gasping for breath as they were both swept swiftly downstream.

The water hit her like a thousand knives, the cold breaking through her skin making her numb to the bone. She gasped as she struggled to breathe, the current too strong for her to always stay afloat. Her feet fumbled to keep her steady but the current just pushed her along with uneasy force, the mud now washing from her skin.

She tried her best to stay calm, but with the murky waters submersing her every now and again, her breathing became erratic. Her hair had come out completely from its updo now, the length of it pooling down her back, sticking to her face. Her dress made it difficult to control which direction she was going, her eyes darting in front of her, then behind her to see where Christer was.

It was then she noticed the waterfall, her mild calm turned into panic as she kicked and flailed frantically to try to reach the other bank. Her arms reached out, her fingertips scraped along the surface as her eyes stayed fixated on the gushing waters. But it was all in vain, the current was too strong and as her life flashed before her eyes, the next thing she knew was she was airborne; falling. Her scream pierced through the forest as she plunged into the unknown.

He didn't know whose screams were louder.  At some point they just melded together and the next thing he knew he was washed ashore on the river and awoke with a splitting headache.  But despite his shiverings, he sat up, his armor heavy and clothes soaked with water. 

"Lady Rose!  Lady Rose!" he said, trying to stand on the muddy bank.

Everything that happened next was like a blur, the current at some point had slowed, washing her onto a muddy bank unconscious. Her head was mildly bleeding, the culprit of her state, she lie there practically lifeless. It took her a few more minutes to finally open her eyes, the murky waters lapping at her feet. She felt dizzy, tired, cold and hungry and as she still heard Christer's cries, she forced herself up hoping that somewhere, somehow she'd find somewhere to hide.

[Lol!  She's still trying to get away! XD]

Christer staggered to his feet and he felt exhausted underneath the weight of his armor.  His hands struggled with the clasps, taking off the pauldrons and throwing them into the dirt before seeing Lady Rose - or her form anyway - staggering away from him.  Christer jogged after her, finding his footing a little worse for wear. 

"Lady Rose are you hurt!?" he tried hollering after again.  "Lady!  If you're hurt you must stop to rest!"

[Not for long!!! XD]

She tripped, her fatigue evident and her ankle sprained as she cried out from the pain. Her head was bleeding, her ankle sprained, her form muddied and scratches were almost found every inch of her body. It was then she felt a desperate need to just give up all together then, she just lied there in the mud, gentle sobs coming to the surface as they threatened to force her to cry any second.

She didn't want to go back, she didn't.

Christer stopped just short of her and walked gently, quietly until she was a few feet away.  "My Lady," he murmured, but didn't know what else to say.  He moved around her, his feet sloshing with water as he walked.  He gasped as he knelt before her and held out his hands, palms first.  "My lady, you are hurt," he said and hesitated to touch her.  "May I?  I wish only to look at your head."

She shivered as he approached her, her lips trembling and her hair stuck to her face. His voice had a shred of tenderness in it, and even though she knew he was her fathers bodyguard, she couldn't move, not like this.

Her head? She brought a hand up to touch the side of one of her temples and when she brought it back blood coated her fingertips. She felt faint again all of a sudden, the pounding in her head threatening to send her unconscious once again, but she knew if she did she'd awake back home, a wedding postponed but not forgotten.

"I-I'm fine." It was futile to reassure herself that she was in fact 'fine', it was quite the opposite, she was battered and bruised, her head thumped with enthusiasm as if it were her father praying the Gods to punish her. She raked up her soaked dress to take a brief look at her ankle, mild bruising dotted around but nothing broken. She wanted to stand and keep running but she couldn't, and that was when one last resort rested in her head, she needed help.

"I-I need s-shelter." She shivered, wrapping her arms around herself in the hopes of conserving whatever heat she had left. 

Christer blanched a little.  He hated the sight of blood.  Yeah sure, go on and laugh.  He was a knight and bodyguard and here he was feeling a little queasy for a little bit.  But, she was a lady in distress and in need of assistance.  Let it not be said that Christer shied away from giving aid when it was needed the most.

He sat on his haunches, mindful of her state and peer at her head for a moment before he pulled out a handkerchief from his belt pouch.  It was soaked with river water but otherwise clean and he used it to gently dab her head.  "Do not worry, Lady Rose.  We will find a suitable place to rest and replenish," he said as he cleaned her wound and directed her to hold the cloth to her head.

His voice grew morose as he peered at her ankle and his frown deepened.  "But unfortunately, you're not going to get very far with that ankle.  I'm going to have to help you walk.  Now, I'm afraid I don't know where we are.  We can't be that far from your father's estate.  Maybe just a few miles up...er."  Christer turned his head this way and that, trying to make sense of his directions, and pointed up toward a random direction.  "That way, I'm sure of it.  Now, don't fret.  You'll be safe at home in no time."

She held the handkerchief there, the blood stemming its flow as she did so, seeping through onto the cloth. It was when he mentioned her fathers residence she suddenly sat straight, taking in a sharp breath at the mention of it.

"N-No!" She managed to cry out, through a shiver. She then composed herself, thinking of something, anything for an excuse to rest somewhere else. It then clicked, they had 'traversed' all the way down this river which she remembered hearing lead into a village, which was adept at using the water supply for more than just drinking. She looked through the trees trying to gauge a general direction, but too fatigued to do so, her head pounded the more she thought about it.

"T-There should b-be a village nearby." She stammered out, hoping he'd know what she was talking about. "It's m-much closer." She gestured to her ankle, and emphasised the pain that was coming from it, hoping, praying, he'd let them rest the night there.

She was right.  Her father's estate was likely too far from here.  Christer didn't want to come off as not knowing where in the world they were, which he really didn't, but at least in the village, he might be able to ask for directions.  A smile spread across his face, and he squared his shoulders.  "Well, then it's settled.  We go to the village.  Find food, shelter, rest up and then we can make our journey," he said, clearly missing the distaste for returning home she had.

She was clearly still in distress, she didn't really have any idea what she was doing.  Christer was afraid he'd have to take charge of this little venture - more so because he was reluctant than because he thought her dainty and frivolous - but it seemed he had little choice.  Christer leaned down and helped Rose to her feet, guiding an arm onto his shoulders to help even out the weight on her ankle.

"Well, then we'd best get started while the going's good.  Keep that rag on your forehead.  I think following the river will lead us to your village.  Say, how do you know there's a village out this way anyway, if you don't mind me asking?" he said, struggling someone to keep them both balanced on the slippery river bank.

She sighed in relief, glad he had come around to her plan of going to the village. However something seemed off, like he didn't think her rational or he was just being polite and trying to genuinely help her.

She felt relief wash over her as they stood and finally started making their way, the riverbank slippery and uneven. As he asked the question she remembered the day she had been told by her mother how dangerous the forest was and to never venture there, but one day she disobeyed, curious as to what made it so dangerous. When she eventually got back and her dress was muddied, her mother made sure that she would never disobey her again. Later she found out that there was a village the other side.

After she recalled the past, she gave a small response. "My mother told me." He didn't need to know the story, after all she had a sour taste left in her mouth from thinking of her mother, the woman who only thought of wealth.

Through the gaps in the trees small yellow lanterns started to be distinguished and as they progressed they could just about hear the turnings of a water wheel.

Thank Ansgar it was close!  He didn't know how long he could hold her and keep himself steady at the same time.  Hm, not that he was trying to imply that she was at all too heavy....  But, she was still in that river soaked dress and his uncomfortable undergarments weren't helping any either.  No, no, she didn't have a big butt at all.

Christer smiled at last when the small village came into view and he hobbled along with her as the small shacks appeared and soon they crossed over a bridge and into the ramshackle village and a small, dirty, but visible sign of an inn. 

"Ah, here we are at last," he sighed and helped her climbed the steps to venture within.

The warmth of the inn took her by surprise, stinging her skin as she realised how cold she actually was. Her blue lips slowly came back to their regular deep pink, and her shivering began to subside. There was an elderly man at a counter, his head looking up at the two in surprise.

"Visitors, come, come!" He gestured to them to approach the desk, a book laid out with scribbles of peoples names and room. The fireplace crackled in the far corner, Rose resisting the temptation to just lie by it all night, in order to recover from this cold and wet ordeal. The man seemed excited at the prospect that they were in the village, the inn looked poorly managed with bits of wood rotting and the lanterns were few.

"Staying for the night?" She hoped the man didn't recognise her, of course in this state no one probably would but she knew her father, and her father would send a search party after her, questioning anyone whom recognised her. If her plan went right, she'd be able to escape early morning, from the grasp of Christer.

"Ah, yes," Christer said, only for a moment, putting Rose's arm down from his shoulders and stepping toward the counter.  "I think I have coin enough for a room and fresh linens.  We had a little accident coming down this way and are just looking to freshen up.  Say, I didn't even know there was a village down this way.  What's the name of this little hamlet?"

"That'll be ten coppers for the night and yes, the rooms come with fresh linens.  I'm surprised someone like you hasn't heard of it.  You look like the adventuring type.  Ah, let's see I've lived here for close to forty years now and I think the name hasn't changed once since I've gone to set up this little in.  Huster Rock, yes," the old man said as he took the given coins and turned to the set of keys behind the counter.

Christer returned to Rose's aid and helped her up the low slung steps to the room.  The old man led the way, talking nonsensical things about the small hamlet, pulling fresh linens from the closet as he passed.  "It's so nice, you know.  To see a lovely couple passing through here," he commented.

She let Christer deal with the inns negotiations, a yawn coming from Rose as she felt the fatigue overwhelm her, her eyes feeling heavy. As the man confirmed their location and took the coins, it was moments before they'd reach their room.

Then he mentioned the word 'couple', she was far too tired to deliberate fully and comprehend what he said. She only managed a simple "Eh?" but no further response followed. Whether the old man had heard her or not, they finally reached their room.

"This is your humble abode for the night. Please call on me if you need anything further." He bowed his head slightly and then began to walk away, leaving them with a tiny lantern so that they could easily make their way around.

Christer thanked the man and laid Rose down on a chair as he went about starting a fire.  "The first thing we must do is go about drying off," he said as soon as the spark lit the kindling and the fire started to take.  He put more logs in and then moved toward the center of the room.  Ugh, it was a shame it was only one bed, but he could only afford the one room.  It was just as well; she could take the bed and he was more than comfortable enough to sleep on the floor.  Or not sleep at all. 

"Um...I suppose the dilemma is now, is who is going to undress first.  I promise not to look if you wish to, Lady Rose.  And I promise not to be too revealing," Christer said.  He really shouldn't have said that last part because now he couldn't stop blushing as he went about setting up a drapery to serve as a changing area.

Despite her current state she still registered the situation. Her mind hummed and dizzied at the thought they would be sharing a room together and even more so that she'd have to get undressed in the same room. Heat rose to her cheeks slowly but surely and she couldn't help but squirm in the chair slightly.

"It's fine Christer, stop being so polite." She offered a meek smile, too tired for anything else. She deliberated how she should go about this, and as he set up the fire, she stood and balanced her weight on her good foot, hobbling about as to get closer to the fire. As the drapery was set up, she looked at it, shadows forming on it hers and Christers. It wasn't the best way to change, but it was a way, she'd give anything to get out of her dress right now.

"You're not looking right?" She just had to confirm, before she fumbled with the loosened ties of her dress at the back. It was foreign to her getting undressed by herself, usually a chamber maid would come and untie everything for her, but this time she had to do it herself, her fingers slipping and tugging on the stubborn ties.

Christer's blushing ceased only for a moment when the divide was set across them and he still sealed his hands over his eyes, just in case he got the temptation to look.  He was after all her father's bodyguard, not her personal lady-in-waiting.  He hoped she could undress herself without further assistance and he kept his eyes shut tight.

"I'm not looking," he affirmed and tried to squirm out of parts of his armor with one hand.  it wasn't all that difficult to do, but his clothes were still heavy with water and stuck to his body.  He wiggled out of them as best he could until he was left in his small clothes.  "Are you finished yet?"

Somehow the ties slowly came loose, just enough so she could slip out of the basque, the skirting followed dropping to the floor in a soggy mess. Stepping out of it she was left with nothing more than her undergarments on, which were damp, but enough that she could sleep comfortably.

She made sure to drape her dress near the fire, letting it dry over the course of the night. She crawled into the bed, hiking the covers up to her neck, letting no trace of bare skin to be shown. "I'm finished." She still acted like a Lady, turning away from Christer, even if he was still clothed to some degree. She was modest and prim, resting her head on her hands, nuzzling into the softness of the pillow.

Christer unshielded his eyes immediately and moved to hang his clothes up by the fire as well.  Upon completion, he rushed to the hooked up sheet and immediately wrapped it around his body, cloaking  himself in it to keep him modest.  In fact, it looked like a long, heavy dress on him and he moved toward the fire to keep warm.

It was then that he realized...  "Oh...Um, Lady Rose.  I don't suppose I'm imposing in anyway if I ask for a pillow to rest my head," he said, sitting up. 

"Ah!" She swiftly grabbed one of the pillows, holding the covers to herself she leaned forward and passed it to him. "I'm sorry, Christer." She meant it in so many ways in that moment, she was sorry for what she has done and what she will be about to do in the future. She had to abandon everyone who was connected to her family, if she didn't she risked being taken back.

She nestled back down, the covers clinging to her form, making her itch ever so slightly. She knew she'd have to adjust to a lifestyle she was completely different to, something that didn't include fine dining and arranged marriages. As her eyes slowly drifted shut she hoped she'd dream of her new life, a home for herself, a marriage out of love and an escape from the nobility she hated.

It was then she remembered, with eyes still shut and the silent burning of the fire she spoke softly. "Oh, and Christa, just call me Rose."

After a very long and trying night, Christer was so close to falling asleep.  He really was when suddenly his eyes shot open and he suddenly sat up, turning to Rose and blinking at her with shock.  "But...I-I...I can't do that!  Lady Rose, it just isn't right!  You are a noblewoman, a lady of stature, and it's only proper that I address you as you ought to be," he said with a great deal of indignation.

"Could you imagine the scandal?  Imagine if I was simply called Christer instead of Sir Christer, by a lowly peasant, than as I ought to be?  Then all of a sudden dogs and cats will be getting along, and the world will turn upside down and it will be complete anarchy.  I...I just couldn't, Lady Rose.  It just isn't done," he said, eyes wide.

She couldn't help but let a little laugh escape her, after everything they had been through, that was all she needed to make her heart a little bit lighter. "Christer, goodnight." If he wanted to still call her a Lady then so be it, but after tonight he wouldn't have a lady to escort. Sleep consumed her all to soon, as her breathing became heavier and her mind floated into a world of perfection.

-

The early morning light drifted over her and awoke Rose from her slumber. She jolted upright, quickly but quietly and noticed Christer's sleeping form. Holding the covers to her, she stepped onto the wooden floor. Unfortunately her dress was placed precariously near Christer's head and she gingerly reached for it, her fingertips scraping the dried material as she tugged it away from the embers left of the fire.

She briskly slipped back into the dress, the mud having dried onto the material now stuck and crisp. Taking small, gentle steps she got to the door, taking one last look back, compassion took over as she muttered 'thank you' underneath her breath, and she was gone.

She didn't take him seriously.  Why didn't she take him seriously!?  Christer still mulled the thought over and over again deep into the night and he barely slept a wink by the time the sun crept in through the ragged curtains of the small inn room.  Christer blinked and sat up, rubbing his eyes.  "Lady Rose," he muttered.  "We ought to get an early start.  The day is young and after a hot meal, the village should lead right to a road of some kind to take us back to your Father's estate.  Not to worry I'll get you...  Lady Rose?"

Christer's heart leapt up into his throat as he jumped from the floor, finding the room empty and bolted for the door.  He forgot his pants, and everything else he was wearing and after wasting a few precious minutes to get everything on, he was bolted down the stairs.  He saw the old man behind the counter and he slammed the key on it, in the ferocity of his panic.

"Sir!  Excuse me sir!  Have you seen a young lady pass through here?  A young woman with scrunchy looking hair and a filthy dress?  The one I came in with the night before?  Do you know where she went?" he asked, in rapid-fire questioning.

The old man looked at him with momentary confusion before clicking his fingers. "Ah! You're the couple! Yes, she went out to explore the village, she said she'd be back soon." He nodded with a smile on his face, oblivious to the urgency in Christer's voice.

-

The small little village was almost alive at early dawn, carriages were carrying hay bales and food for a small market, while children ran and played in the mud. She quickly ran and thought of somewhere to go, she racked her brain for where to go from here. Uthlyn wasn't too far from here, if she could just get a mode of transport- That's when it dawned on her, the horse drawn carts!

"Excuse me sir!" She ran up to a middle-aged man, built for his age, but short in stature. He was ready to board his carriage, hay bales in the back. "May I ride with you? I just want to get to Uthlyn." She gave the most innocent eyes she could. She had no money on her person and even though she could offer payment later, she didn't know what the future may be. "I won't be a bother, I promise." She bowed deeply to the man, the gesture uncommon for a woman of her nobility, usually it being the other way round.

The man gave her a look from head to toe and sighed. "As long as you're no criminal, I have no problem. But I'm leaving now." Rose gave a small jump of enthusiasm and jumped on the back, burying herself slightly in the hay. As the cart started off, she looked back, hoping that Christer forgave her for her betrayal.

And as she looked back, she'd see nobody coming after her.  Chickens crossed the muddy dirt road and people went about their business none the wiser.  At least none the wiser to the man bounding across the rooftops of the shacks and huts.  And when he was sure he had the angle right, Christer jumped off the ledge and onto the piles of hay in the back of the cart.

"Where do you think you're going?" Christer hissed, red-faced from the running.  "You scared me half to death.  Clearly you are still delirious from the waterfall.  Lady Rose, you don't even know who this man is!"

The man driving the cart wheeled around and scowled at him. "The hell're you?  Git off my cart!"

She screamed at the impact of something heavy hitting the cart, the horse rearing momentarily making everything come to a halt. She fumbled through the hay bit sticking to her hair as she bounded off the cart, trying to run away from Christer. Then she remembered her ankle, briskly coming to a stop as she hobbled along the dirt road, halfway between the village and Uthlyn.

She had no words for this incessant bodyguard, she couldn't run, nor could she beat him with her quick wit. She turned on her heels, hands on her hips and a look of anger on her face.

"Christer! I must go to Uthlyn." Of course, he need not know the true reason. "I need....new garbs, yes! New garbs." She brushed her hands down her dress trying to improvise on the whole situation, her brain searching for excuses. "And of course I need a trusting escort, these roads are dangerous after all." The man on the cart simply scowled at both of them, muttering something about 'young people' under his breath.

It wasn't an excuse that Christer was buying, not this time.  There was something odd about the fashion in which she completely abandoned him in the room, then went about trying to escape on foot!  That didn't sound like she needed a bodyguard at all.

So he propped his arms on his hips and he scowled at her with a heavy glare.  "Don't give me that," he said harshly.  "And don't think you can make a fool of Sir Christer Theirn," he spat.  Only he could make a fool of himself.  "No, we are going to ask for directions and we are going back to your Father's estate this instant!  No ifs ands or buts about it."

Oh boy, the look on his face and in his eyes told her everything she needed to know. He wasn't falling for a thing, she tried to make herself intimidating, thinking rationally of an excuse, something, anything!

"I am Lady Rose Dewitt, you will do as I say or I will inform my father of your neglect towards escorting me!" She was indeed frozen in silence by her own voice, authoritative and powerful, something she hated; she sounded like her father. Her stance relaxed and she looked on apologetically.

"Ah, uh, Christer, what I mean is, I will go back to my fathers residence, I just really want to look at Uthlyn, I have never been before. It'll be just a small glance then we can head back." She offered a reassuring smile, trying to brush the hay from her hair.

He couldn't have been more confused, caught between self-taught obedience to his superior and knowing she was much more wily than he gave her credit for.  How could he trust her?  How could he know that what she said was true and not simply more lies?  Christer didn't like the thought of 'not-knowing' and all the uncertainty that came with it.

"How do I know you just won't run off again, once we get to Uthlyn, if we actually get there?" he said, trying to hold tight to his cards.  "Is your father's estate really so bad?  What is the matter with you?"

"I'll stay beside you, I can't exactly run off then can I?" She was determined to hold her own, and if need be she'd find some way to keep running, but she'd come to that when the time arose. She played with a stray strand of hair as he asked the next question, something stirring inside of her.

"Christer....I'll explain everything once we get to Uthlyn." She was trying to give him more added incentives and her gentle side took a-hold as she did in fact feel sorry for him, sorry for dragging him along and leading him away from the Dewitt estate. Both of them were battered and bruised, dressed in muddied garbs and she wanted nothing more than a refreshing bath.

"Are yah gettin' on or not?" The middle aged man said with impatience, scowling at the two of them so that his brow was heavily furrowed.

"Is it because you are to be married today?" he asked bluntly, crossing his arms over his chest and not letting her slip by this time.  Maybe some other fool would fall for it, but not him.  "Tell me the truth.  I'm not going anywhere, and neither are you, until you tell me why you won't back home."

She slowly felt herself breaking, and the hardness in her eyes lessened as she looked on in defeat. "You don't understand." She looked down at the ground now, hands balled into fists at her side as she thought of the arranged marriage, her to be husband, her father and mother, everyone was oblivious to the very fact the person she'd have to marry was no more than a lecherous and violent man.

"I would rather die than marry that man." She shook every so slightly now, the thoughts of the last few years threatening to overwhelm her as she couldn't believe the predicament she was in.

It was hard to stay angry, he had to admit.  Though he was clearly irritated, certainly, Christer could only keep his arms crossed over his chest for so long before he relaxed and peered back at the way they came.  "So that's what is with all this running?" he murmured and made a tch! sound.  "I suppose if I were in your shoes, I'd probably come to the same conclusion.  But...but don't you think things are the way they are because that's how it ought to be?  Couldn't you just swallow that stubborn pride of yours and do your duty?  Oh God.  What am I saying, here I am having an argument with the daughter of my liege?  Who am I to question your motives?"

His expression grew sour and he shook his head, crossing his arms once more.  "So what do you intend then?  Keep running until your legs give out?"

She had to admit, she was quite shocked to hear truly what Christer thought. Usually he had nothing more to say than 'Mi'lady' and other formal forms of speech. To hear him say she had a stubborn pride, she didn't know if she should laugh or be offended.

"If that's what it takes." She stood straight now, strong and radiant. She was determined by this point, she had come too far to turn back now, but Christer still had a chance to redeem himself, to stay on her fathers side.

"Turn back now, pretend you never saw me. I can continue on my own just fine." She put on a strong front, but secretly she was terrified inside. She had no idea what lied out there, whether there was people who would capture her for ransom, or help her along the way. She was scared of the unknown.

Now this was a dilemma if ever there was one.  Christer suddenly gave her a choking look and he bit down on his tongue for the longest second of his life.  He couldn't be party to this, he just couldn't!  It went against everything he believed in, stood for.  He should just return right now to the Dewitte estate and let this be the end of it.  But what would happen upon his return?  Would her father consider him some kind of conspirator, having returned without his daughter in hand?  Would hebe punished for her own flight of fancy?

Christer shook his head internally, no it couldn't be helped.  He couldn't be apart of this no matter the consequences he thought of.  "Go on then," he said, bowing formally.  "I never saw you."  He hardened his eyes into a proper glare before about facing and marching the way opposite her.

[Don't worry he won't be gone for long.]

She watched his form steadily walk away, her eyes turned back to the road ahead of her, the sun in the distance. The middle-aged man had watched the whole fiasco and was surprisingly silent, he gestured for her to hurry and get back on to which Rose obeyed.

She counted her blessings, thanking Christer in her thoughts as the cart began to move once again. The village felt like it was moving away ever so slowly and so was her noble life. When she reached Uthlyn she knew she'd have to change her ways to blend in, but first on her list was a change of garbs.

"Wait!  WAAAAIIIIT!" 

The cry came from down the road behind them as the wagon churled along, squeaking quietly and the mule honking in displeasure.  And just on the horizon, around the bend, came Christer running full speed as he tried to catch up with them.  "Stop the wagon!  Lady Rose!" he shouted, nearly out of breath.

The cry knocked her out of her reverie as she saw a small figure running in the distance, progressively getting closer. She immediately leapt off the wagon, regretting doing so as her ankle ached in pain as she made her way forward slightly.

"Christer! What on earth-!?" She looked at him as he caught up confusion in her eyes as she watched the bodyguard reach her. She didn't know why he was coming back, but with a small hint of a smile, she was glad to see him again.

Christer needed a long moment to catch his breath as  he finally reached them.  "Lady Rose!" he panted.  "I can't let you do this.  It's much too dangerous.  As a Knight and bodyguard in your father's service, it is undutiful of me to allow you to venture willingly into danger without an armsman at your back.  Allow me to stay with you for the duration of your venture.  In fact, there is no option for it, I will accompany you to Uthlyn."

She admired his loyalty, although he was still doing it in her 'fathers service', she had to appreciate that he came back to escort her. She gave him a small smile, before gesturing to get back on the cart, the hay less of a nuisance now and more like a pillow. "Thank you Christer, I promise to be as little trouble as possible."

Although what she said would have a whole other meaning once they reached Uthlyn, little did they know her father and his men weren't so far behind.

"Well, then that's settled.  Good," Christer nodded to her and boarded the hay bales in the back of the cart.  The drive was chewing on a stem of hay when he glared at the back before slapping the reins and sending the horses off on their set path.

"So, why Uthlyn?"  Christer found himself asking.  "I mean, there are lots of cities in all the provinces.  Why are you headed there for?  Is it just because you want a new dress?"

She relaxed now, laying back into the hay bales, watching the scenery in front of her, the village having almost vanished from sight.

"Would you believe me if I told you I have never been outside of Reajh?" She looked slightly ashamed her father used to say she was an embarrassment to bring elsewhere, if she was required she wouldn't speak. "I only attended parties at other residences in other provinces, I never actually explored." The word 'explored' struck the little adventurer in her, her eyes lighting up at the thought she'd actually get to see Uthlyn.

"I've also heard it's a place with its own take on beauty. I'm very curious you see." She was nonchalantly opening up, usually she would say nothing more than formalities but couldn't help herself. She felt freedom edging ever closer, and the thought that she was now growing to be a free spirit, it excited her.

Christer watched her for a moment, witnessing that odd glow to her eye, like they were glazed over, or she was momentarily dazed because something particularly hard had hit her in the head.  He was closer to vouching for the latter until she finished her point and he found himself giving a small smile.  "I think that's entirely understandable.  I only ventured outside Reajh itself during my knight training.  Things were different then.  I didn't see any reason anyone would want to leave the city.  It's so idyllic there.  Well...in most of it, anyway," he commented.

"There is also the matter of your title, Lady Rose," Christer said.  "If you are still dead set on this journey, which by your apparent expression, you are, then what shall I call you?  And please do not say 'Rose.'  That I cannot do.  I'm afraid there are some exceptions that cannot be made.  Yet, I feel I can safely assume that you do not wish to be addressed like the noblewoman that you are.  So what shall I call you then, that is if you have an inkling of an idea?"

She listened to him speak, everything from Reajh to her new alias. She brought a finger to her pursed lips, racking her brain for some sort of name. Then she remembered, one of her chamber maids had a very pretty name, something Rose even had complimented her on.

"Deanna." She said it without thinking, the name slipping from her lips in momentary thought. "It was the name of one of my chamber maids." She nodded in remembrance, hoping her maids weren't receiving any form of punishment in her stead. The sun was glowing in the sky now, beams of light cascading over the dried mud on her dress and it just reminded her how much she wanted to bathe and have a new set of garbs.

"Once we reach Uthlyn, I must bathe." She picked at the mud on her clothing to emphasise her statement. The cart drew closer and closer to their destination.

"I agree," Christer concurred, looking over her muddied state with a deep-set frown and noticing a strange smell coming from her direction.  "Miss Deanna then.  I do not think I can address you without a title.  And I will be your...muscle, I suppose that is the word."

The ride would be a long one, one of many days and long nights when at last they reached the soft morning lights of Uthlyn.  The ride they had received from the village only took them so far.  Christer paid the man for his time, with what little money he had on his person, and they went the rest of the way via caravan, making good time, reaching the city by the end of the week.

"Uthlyn," he sighed at last, passing through the city gates.  "Now, you can finally have that bath!"

She looked on at the bustling surroundings, it appeared to be a market day, people selling all sorts of intricacies. She just stared then, despite the similarities to Reajh, it was still so different, the people were rushing everywhere, carrying wicker baskets full of goods.

"Wow..." Was all that could escape her mouth as she began to step on foreign ground, the heat from the sun warmed her skin and her eyes were fixated on everything that moved, not knowing where to look next. She had a massive smile on her face before she snapped back to Christer, realizing the intentions in which they were here.

"So...where do we go for a bath?" She was completely new to all of this, her explorations only just beginning as she looked around for someone to ask.

In truth Christer was equally fascinated with Uthlyn as Rose was.  He'd never been to the city before, and it was famous as a center of learning and culture.  And it was more glorious than Reajh in many respects, though perhaps not as old.  Because of it's apparent youth and energy, it made only more exciting. 

He was beaming, completely taken with the city and barely registered Rose when she spoke to him.  He blinked.  "Huh?  Oh...Um, Miss Deanna.  Well, it seems we could find an inn of sorts.  Though I'm not sure I have much money left for a city like this.  Perhaps we can find a public bath to take care of our grime," he suggested and hailed a man passing them in the street.

They were directed to one not far from there, several blocks down from the entrance and Christer blushed at the realization that they'd both have to be naked.  Again.  Certainly there'd be covers, or separations, or some kind of privacy.

Or not.

Christer paid the tender at the counter, who each provided them with some linens, as they were led to a several sections of bathing pools, none of which had covers.  They were given one on the left and left to their own devices.

Rose glanced down at the scarce linens in her hands, the material evidently just enough to cover her from chest to thigh. She blushed then, the public bath something she had heard of but never seen, she was nervous, heck she had only ever been seen naked by her chamber maids and mother. She clung to the material tightly, looking at Christer in disbelief.

"So, we bathe here?" As stupid as the question was she had to break the thick atmosphere that was growing between them. Of course he was her fathers bodyguards, everything was strictly professional and it wasn't like he would look her way anyways; she was a lady after all. As the seconds ticked by she didn't waste any more, she began to take the string of her basque and untie it.

Christer's face was beet red, but he tried to excuse it for them having been out in the sun in all that time of travel.  When she began to undress, he immediately sputtered and turned around.  "Uh, wait! Miss ...er, Deana, why don't I bathe first.  This way I can assure your privacy, more or less, when it is your turn," he said, holding a hand over his eyes.

Just in case.

She stopped then, looking up at him, her cheeks tinted red. "If you insist, Sir Christer." She let go of the strings tying her in place and turned away from him.

Arms folded she looked in the opposite direction, the sound of water lapping at the edge and distant voices as other people took refuge in the public baths. She would have never had thought she would be in a place such as this. Little did she know though, that her father was hot on her trail.

True the men that were sent after Rose and the bodyguard were well on their way, having been thrown from the gates in a hellish blaze.  Her father was furious, livid beyond reason, convinced that that bastard Christer had taken her.  Perhaps they were in cahoots, conspiring together to make him look the fool.  Oh they would pay!  They would pay tenfold!

Meanwhile Christer  bathed quickly, or as quickly as he could as scrubbed himself down with her back to him, dousing his hair with water and emerging when he was ready.  He smiled, sheepishly at her when it was her turn.  He blushed and bowed.  "Er,  I mean the water's ready Miss Deana.  Enjoy.  It's quite nice with this heat n all," he said.

She nodded gently, when she knew Christer wasn't looking she undressed slipping the garment off with practised ease. The water was chill at first, but warmed by the heat as she sank in, dunking her head quickly to wet her hair. She washed off the mud, scrubbing the stubborn parts that had dried. After making sure everything was in order and her hair was clean of all traces of dirt, she emerged from the water and wrapped herself in the linen provided.

"Okay, so where to next?" She scrambled for her dress, resisting the temptation to wash that in the water too. Maybe the tender would know where the best dress shop is, or the cheapest as the coin they had was beginning to dwindle.

Christer wouldn't tell her.  He didn't even want to acknowledge it himself.  But he had taken a peek at her while she was bathing, strangely finding his blushing subside for that time and he smiled found himself smiling.  When he realized it, he quickly turned away and swiped his expression clean.

Christer at last turned to her and cleared his throat, rather loudly at that.  "Aherm, I suppose the next thing on the agenda might be to find something to eat.  I don't know about you, but I could eat a horse!  A whole one!"  he smiled and laughed.  "But um...your dress looks tattered, perhaps you'd feel better in some trousers and a shirt.  Maybe it's time to ditch that dress, yes?"

At the mention of food her stomach growled hungrily, she hadn't anticipated she'd ever feel this hungry, yet here she was starving and prepared to eat just about anything. She also couldn't agree more with getting rid of the awful mud stained dress, putting it back on would just defeat the point of her having a bath, but it'd have to do for now until they found spare clothing.

"I say we do both, clothing and food right now sounds amazing." She rung out the excess water in her hair, and gently dabbed herself down, removing any excess water.

After dressing into a clean blouse and breeches (to which the tender had offered to them for a small amount of coin) she found herself looking a lot more foreign to herself than first intended. No more was the noble dress or makeup upon her face. Her long tresses were hanging loosely and her skin was clean from any traces of mud. Taking a moment to collect herself, they departed the bathhouse.

Christer honestly didn't know how they were going to find proper provisions.  They didn't have an infinite amount of coin and he wasn't sure even where to first look.  There was always the thought of finding an inn.  But all the ones that were most proper for Lady Rose were out of their current budget, and the thought of them dining in a rat's den was, frankly...revolting.

Eventually there was a nice taven.  Er, nice was putting it on pretty thick.  At least the glasses were relatively clean and the floor didn't have too much blood on it.  Christer peered down at the contents of his coinpurse and frowned.  The cost of the room and food would be the rest of it and he tried not to let his hesitation get the better of him when at last he paid for it.

He quietly sat before Rose and waited for their food to arrive, hot and ready and he beamed at her, despite the sinking feeling in his stomach.  "Let's eat!" he said and began to scarf down his beef stew.  He paused abruptly, remembering he was in the presence of a lady and he slowed down, wiping his mouth with a grey napkin and clearing his throat.  "Excuse me!  I'm sorry I'm eating like a pig!"

To see him eat so eagerly set a warmth in her as she smiled. She had realised it was her fault he was dragged along in all of this, she knew he would feel the wrath of her father if he were to return, but what if he didn't? What if he stayed and accompanied her? She shook her head, there was no way she could expect that of him.

"It's fine, honestly." She offered a smile and began tucking in to her own stew, the rich gravy sliding down a treat. It was then she turned as the door opened, and her heart froze, her eyes didn't move from the recognisable armour of her fathers soldiers. They did a once over of the room, and she abruptly turned back her heart thumping loudly in anticipation.

Somehow, they had missed them and went up to the bar, talking idly with the owner, showing him a parchment which she couldn't make out. She looked at Christer in earnest, worry filling her gaze. "We need to leave." Or hide, either one sounded great right now.

Christer was in the middle of eating when she told them it was time to depart.  Christer looked up at her, bewildered and looked about.  "But we just got here," he said.  "I just started eating. I...I...I already paid for the room.  That was the last of my coin."

His voice turned to a harsh whisper when at last he saw the armor of the men and realized he bore their same cuirass, and style of armor.  They'd recognize him sure as day, but Christer was at a loss of what to do.  "Just act natural," he said at last.  "Maybe they won't notice us."

She felt guilt as he mentioned the last of his coin, and she withdrew from her frigid stance. Instead she hunched over and gave a mixture of an apologetic and guilty glance. "I am sorry Christer, for dragging you into this." She spoke just above a whisper, worried that she'd be heard by the men who were still casually scanning the premises, she could overhear them, barking loudly at patrons to the whereabouts of a lady and a man travelling together, what they wore and what they looked like.

She shook gingerly, the mens footsteps slowly approaching towards their table as they made passes at each one before theirs. All that was running through her head was that she'd have to go back, go back to a noble family who would probably want nothing more than to see her writhe in a miserable marriage. But what about Christer? She had never considered what would happen to him, her father had the power to have someone executed, especially if it were...kidnapping.

The whole situation was about to take a sour turn and she could feel herself falling on the brink of making a decision. She wasn't a Lady any more...she had to fight for her and Christers survival, she couldn't afford to be a liability.

The was when he felt it.  That poke on his shoulder where his pauldrons used to be and Christer blinked and looked up in the face of the man looking for him.  The man didn't seem to recognize him right away, at least not  yet.  Thankfully most people here in the tavern seemed to want to mind their own business.

"Yes?" he said, trying to appear as if he were nobody out of the ordinary sitting there in a tavern in Uthlyn. 

"You.  Get up.  Now," the man growled.

"What seems to be the problem?" he asked, furrowing his brows.  "Who are you?"

"Get up!" he said and kicked the chair out from underneath Christer.  He stumbled backwards, his legs flailing up into the air and he rolled back.  It was a dirty move and fighting instinct made Christer's hand reach for his blade, but he did not draw it.

"NO! NO FIGHTING IN HERE!" cried the man from behind the desk and waved his arms wildly, opening the door.  "OOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUT!  OR I'M CALLING THE GUARD!"

Christer stood back, pulling Rose along with him, standing just ahead of her as the mercenaries turned to Christer and the old man then to Rose.  "This isn't over."  And they soon departed.

Christer felt his blood running hot with unused adrenaline and he looked over at the older man and apologized.  "I'm so sorry," he said, pointing to the ruined chair.  "I...I can fix it.  I promise."

The old man waved his arms.  "No.  Don't bother.  You stay your night here and then leave.  I never want to see you here again."

The whole scenario happened so quickly, and all she could do was watch the scenes play out in front of her. The mans voice held a terrifying growl at the end of each sentence and each time he shouted, each time Rose jumped slightly. She should be used to the shouting, her father did enough of it to her, but the fact that Christer grew protective and made sure she was put out of harms way, it was equally a relief as it was hurtful, she hated feeling useless, she hated being scared of trivial things.

As the men left relief washed over her and she couldn't help but tenderly, the gentlest of touches, brush her hand against Christers arm. "Christer?" Her voice faltered ever so slightly, but she cleared her throat, an attempt to steady herself. "Are you alright?" She released her hand from his arm, dropping it to her side.

Perhaps now was a good idea to turn in for the night, for the morning would hold nothing but trouble.

Christer simply nodded, although he didn't feel all right.  It wasn't her problem anyway.  He did realize, however, that much of this predicament was largely her fault.  If only she swallowed her pride and gone back to her loud, rancorous father, none of this would be happening.  But he said nothing and instead burned in his own shame, at the fact that he didn't even perform the duties he'd been trained to do.

He was a coward, he knew that.  He knew what those men came here for.  In fact, he gave great consideration to letting them take her.  He could just say he followed her to keep an eye on her and he had every intention of returning her home.  He couldn't say that he went along with it.  It just wasn't done after all.  Bodyguards didn't run off with the daughters of Nobles and distinguished men.  He was a fool and he had to put it right.

Or things would just go downhill from here.

And yet, he was torn.  When at last they returned to their room, Christer laid on the floor, staring up at the ceiling and frowning.  "What do we do?" he asked.  "When they come back?  We can't outrun them.  We have no money and no rides.  We can't beg everywhere we go, it isn't done."

There was so much unfamiliar silence between them, she sat on the bed, her legs up to her chest and her hands circled around them. She listened to him speak, breaking the thick quiet in the air, and she seethed inwards, his voice held something that caused her to feel heavy.

"You know...I...considered going back." She mumbled as she looked down at her legs, her mind dizzying with so many thoughts, what she should do, and what she shouldn't. "I also considered abandoning you in the night...again." Her mind was rampant, she just needed to think, to vent in a way. "And I equally considered...other things." She buried her face in her legs, unsure of what to say and what to do.

"What am I meant to say? What am I meant to do? There are so many things I don't know." She winced at the thought of her father scowling at her in disappointment, in fuming anger. She was lost now, maybe turning herself in would be the best outcome for everyone, she'd marry, have children and be a wife to a man she did not love nor care for. She just had to live the life she had been living up to this point but in another household.

She was truly lost.

It didn't help that Christer had no idea what to do either.  Ideally, they would return to her father as soon as possible and hopefully, because they were contrite, her father would feel it in his heart to show mercy to them.  And yet, what if those mercenaries sent a messenger ahead of them?  Ansgar knew what he would say first!  Christer was suddenly horrified at the realization that returning, even now, might not go well.

What if they accused him to kidnapping her?  What if they executed him?  Christer sat up suddenly and turned to Rose.  Perhaps it was ungentlemanly of him to be more terrified for himself than for her - that wasn't to say there wasn't at least some mild concern for her, it was after all her idea.  Nevertheless...

"I do not think...it would be wise to return," he said gently.  "Those men.  Who knows what they'll tell your father.  If you did, it's just as likely that you'd be thrown into the stockade and humiliated, as forced to wed your fiancé.  As for me, well, I don't even want to think about it."  Because he'd given it a LOT  of thought.

Christer motioned to her hand.  "What about that?" he said.  "Your engagement ring.  We need money, if we're going to continue journeying.  And I'm all out.  I...  Ah, no, what am I saying!  You can't sell  your ring.  Oh, I shouldn't've even suggested it.  It's a stupid idea, sorry."

She nodded reluctantly in agreement. She was completely torn between her head and her heart, what she should do and what she wanted to do, it was all giving her quite the headache. She placed a hand on her head to stem the throbbing that caused her thoughts to stop running at a million miles per hour.

At the mention of her engagement ring she immediately looked down, and with renewed vigor jumped off the bed. "Yes, yes! That's excellent, I completely forgot about it." For the first time since running, a genuine grin flashed across her face at the very thought of gaining a few coin, with that they should be able to travel further, gain more supplies, fend for themselves a while longer, the ring after all...wasn't cheap.

She realized she was getting ahead of herself, they had to find a merchant willing to pay a suitable price for it and that was if, IF her fathers men didn't come back. Sighing she sat back on the bed, her thoughts getting the better of her once again. "You know, I never wanted any of this." She didn't intend for Christer to hear nor did she intend to say it out loud, she was naturally a selfless person but so far she felt she had been nothing more than selfish to Christer.

She owed him her selflessness and gratitude at the very least.

Christer scowled a little bit, uncertain as to what she meant.  "Didn't want what?" he asked, peering at her quizzically.  "To run off into the rain on a dark and stormy night like a bad fairy tale?  Or to drag me along in your little venture?  You have to be more specific, considering all the trouble I'm getting into for you."

His harsh tone made her look at him now, an uncertain look upon her face, anger was boiling up from everything that had happened from her childhood to now.

"By all means, you can leave whenever you want to. I never dragged you along." Her jaw was locked in annoyance and heat rising to her face as she wanted so much to shout at him but kept a levelled tone. If he knew, if he even understood what her future husband was like, what was expected of her, she was sure he would even back out.

She stood from the bed now, pacing the room by the door. "Besides, your obligation is to my father not to me. I am quite capable on my own." Now she was lying, if anything she was the bait for any group of thugs to prey on, but her mouth was running away, if she were to speak to her father like this, it would be the back of his hand across her face before she could even spout another word.

Christer barked a mocking laugh.  "Hah!  And just how far do you think you could've gotten without me?" he said with a frown.  His tone softened, considering he probably couldn't that far himself.  He might have been a knight.  But he was made for castle walls and standing in corners looking menacing.  He'd never been outside in the world at large, not travelling long distance, not looking for beds at inns.  He was just an invalid as she was when it came to trying to fend for oneself.  Except he had less tenacity.

"And for your information, my oath is to your father, and by extension to you.  What kind of guard would I be if I let you run off then you get yourself killed?  If I came back without you, I'd surely hang.  Even if I came back WITH you, I'd probably hang.  So you see, maybe you didn't literally drag me along, but you know a lady cannot travel unescorted.  It just isn't done!  THIS isn't done.  I shouldn't even be sleeping in the same room with you, but I didn't have enough money for another.  But I swore an oath, and I'll be damned if I don't see that through.  So you may think your actions don't affect anyone else but yourself, but you're wrong."

She let him finish, she thought it wise to do so, and even though her hands were clenched at her sides and she could feel herself shaking from his anger, they both needed this, they both needed to shout and get everything out.

"Well...Well I don't even need you!" She could have cursed at herself for her petty reply and even more petty solution. She stormed out of the room, stomping a few doors down and around a corner before resting heavily against the wall. She exhaled then, closing her eyes as her thoughts tormented her and her heart felt heavy.

She was a woman, as vulnerable as the next, she had little to none combat skill, she was of noble blood, heck she was a target waiting to be ransacked. Her anger was fueled by the fact she knew he was right, and her stubborness made her deny that, she would be lying if she said she hadn't wanted to slap him in that moment but then she'd only be as bad as her father.

She looked up at the ceiling, tears threatening to sting her eyes as she refused to be weak. Blinking hard she stayed there for a few moments more, biding her time until she felt herself relax.

He was fuming too, though perhaps more out of irritation that she left in the middle of an argument than because he knew he was right and she still didn't give a damn.  Christer got up and ruffled his pillow and tried to lay back down again, but something itched at him from the pit of his gut.

He got up again and moved toward the door, opening it and walking out towards Rose.  "What are you gonna do?  Stand out here all night?" he asked, as gently as he could, crossing his arms over his chest.  "We should at least get some sleep."

His voice made her tense again and at his mild concern she couldn't help but feel all the more sorry. Despite that she didn't say a word, but only moved past him, back into the bedroom and onto the bed. She never bothered to undress, she tucked herself in and shut her eyes, willing sleep to consume her and give her blissful dreams of a new life, one full of idealistic love.

-

It was still early dawn when the first signs of light broke through, the sound of birds chirping nearby a wonderful awakening. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up and then the argument from the night before struck her. Rose glanced over at Christer's sleeping form, and she noticed how extremely vulnerable he looked in that moment. If it weren't for him, she'd probably be dead, in short she knew he was right about everything, their predicament was laughable and they both were inexperienced with the lands.

Sliding from the bed, she made for the door. With renewed vigor she looked down at her engagement ring, all the merchants would be setting up now and if she was lucky she could catch one before crowds of people started forming. Heading downstairs back to the bar area, all chairs absent she stepped outside, the warmth welcoming. But it was then she made her mistake, out of nowhere she was grabbed her hair pulled into a fierce grip and her body pulled into another like a rag doll. She went to scream but a hand came to her mouth to muffle her cries.

"Damn Dewitt girl!" The man had a deep, gargled voice, his strong grip on her suffocating. She writhed and kicked, but the armor he was wearing made him practically bulletproof to her futile fumbling. Other men came out from the corner of where the Inn is, she counted four, maybe five, she didn't know how many more were hiding. She felt herself slowly losing any hope, she couldn't call for Christer, she couldn't scream for someone to aid her, she would be taken back, dragged back.

She had nothing to lose from trying though. She bit down hard on the mans fingers encircling her mouth and he let go with a yelp. With the few precious seconds she had gained from being free to speak, she could only call out one word. "CHRISTER!" The scream was piercing and full of desperation, before she was enveloped once again, this time by a gag.

He thought he was having a bad dream.  He twisted and turned from his 'bed' on the floor and wondered how dogs did it  all the time.  He heard a loud noise, something of a distance screech followed by a slam and he jumped awake.  Christer sat up, cracking his stiff neck and back and saw that the room was empty.  He almost assumed that Rose had done it yet again, abandoned him in the early morn, but he was confident she wouldn't do so a second time.  Even if she was fuming mad.

"Maybe she went for tea or something," he said, shrugging.  Then fell back asleep.

With desperation she writhed in the guards grip, squirming and fumbling, trying everything to be released, but he was stronger than her, is grip hardening, almost becoming painful. "Stop moving!" He dragged her from the spot, one of the other guards coming to help secure the Lady of house Dewitt.

She whimpered out as she took one last glance at the Inn they had been staying in, her eyes welling up as tears stung her eyes. Ahead was a carriage, to which she assumed she'd be going into to be taken back to her father.

Christer woke up a few minutes later, unable to get comfortable and got up at last, stretching, then dressed.  Rose still wasn't back yet.  He was surprised.  Whatever she was doing, couldn't possibly have taken that long. 

So he went down stairs and tried asking the old man at the front, but he waved him off.  Recalling the incident from last night, Christer couldn't blame him for wanting nothing to do with him.  He went out the door and saw the men at last, struggling with Rose, throwing her into a carriage.

"Rose!  ROSE!" he found himself shouting, forgetting her alias and running after it as it began to pull away.  Panic set in.  There was no way he was going to be able to catch it in time.  A thousand different things rushed through his mind at once and he ran as hard as he could.  He needed a horse, a carriage.  Something, anything!

All hope was lost to her now, her heart dropped and the mixture of emotions all came at once, anger, frustration, sadness....fear. The carriage started moving as the horses whip sent a chilling crack through the air, the mode of transport creaking with every bump. Her thoughts were a muddled mess and she just hoped, prayed that someone out there was looking down on her, wanting nothing more than to help her.

As if on cue, she heard her name being called, the voice one she recognised immediately. She went up to the locked window of the carriage, banging on the frame, attempting to shout which was muffled by the gag. She continued to smash onto the frame, with a force she didn't even think she had, her shoulder ached with every impact, but she persisted. The men shouted at her to stop, but she was stubborn, and it wasn't until the door gave way that they jumped off their horses and ran after her as she scrambled to her feet and ran.

She found herself fumbling and tripping but somehow staying afoot that was until something grabbed her from behind once again, wrenching her from her freedom. "Damn girl you just won't give up! I will not come back empty handed!" The guards voice held a heavy leaded tone to it, one that drove fear into the very rebels that threatened her fathers existance. But she just writhed in his grip, if she were to go back, she would fight to the very end.

"You let her go!" Christer howled in fury.  He remembered very little of what he did.  He recalled the flash of steel,  The smashing of his blade againt the hand of the man who grabbed Rose and his scream that followed.  Christer had been hit, his head spinning in blind adrenaline as he saw a second man coming after him.

His body moved without conscious thought.  He swung, parried, blocked and slashed here and there.  The guard retreated, staggering back when the fight couldn't be won.  Or perhaps it was to grab the others to tend to his bleeding comrade.  Christer neither knew nore cared.

He grabbed Rose by the arm, he remembered the force by which he yanked it and pulled her along with him.  It was best to vacate the seen as quick as possible before the others caught up with them.  Christer grabbed one one of the horses that got away and threw Rose atop the saddle, flopping her over like she was a sack of potatoes before hopping on and taking the reigns in hand and smashing his heels into the horse's sides.

Everything had moved in motions and Rose was the centre part of it, all she could recall was the agonizing screams of one of the guards or maybe it was two, her mind was foggy and as quickly as it had gone for Christer it had gone equally blinding for Rose. Her shoulder and arm hurt from brute force and being tugged along, but now atop of the horse, racing to God knows where at what felt like a million miles per hour she just wanted to rest, to have a moment to collect herself and grab the thoughts that were left from that moment.

She dared not to question Christer's incentive back there, after all those guards were going to bring her back, he knew this, but he had chosen to let her escape with him at her back. She was confused, bewilderred and terrified of what was to happen next. She wondered what was going through Christer's head, did he realise that he had severed a mans hand and that he too, was injured? As they galloped on and the horse strained with the weight of two, she couldn't help but turn her head against the wind, looking back at Christer.

"You're hurt, we need to stop." For what felt like seconds had now turned into minutes, and with every heartbeat, Rose grew wearier of what was to come.

He didn't know what he was thinking.  But it all happened too fast.  It was passed and he'd think of the consequences later.  "Huh?" he turned to Rose and blinked at her, unaware of the blood running down the side of his head until he reached upaand touched it.  "Oh!"

He paused just long enough to touch it again and suddenly felt faint at the sight of his own blood.  "Oh God.  I think I'm going to pass out."

Oh excellent. Lucky for him she was adept at riding a horse, so if worse did come to worse she'd happily take them to wherever it is they were going. But right now they needed to stop, needed to take a minute and so that Christer could gather himself and so that Rose could tend to his wound.

They had no coin on them, so an inn was out of the question, her mind scattered as she tried to think of something.

Thankfully it wasn't a great deal of blood, but the sight of it was making him nauseated.  "Patch it," he said, breathing heavily.  "Patch it up.  Please."

They had stopped the horse now, and Rose quickly fumbled with tearing a piece of her shirt off to use as a gauze. She was worried the men were racing after them, still trying to capture her and Christer too. She folded the fabric to make it thicker before applying it on the wound gently, stemming the bleeding.

"I don't have anything to hold it there unfortunately." Apart from her hand of course, being half turned on a horse was slightly awkward, but she could manage and as she held the fabric there she couldn't help but mention a "thank you."

"I'll hold it...blargh.  You get the reins."  Christer felt faint and tried to hold the cloth to his skull for as long as possible.

She scowled at him slightly before turning back and grabbing the reins, with a crack the horse was sent cantering following the path to what she assumed was another part of town. They needed to find a merchant and fast, so that they could have more coin and were able to find a place to stay when the night came.

Christer groaned.  The horse was moving nauseatingly fast and making sharp turns here and there.  Suddenly he tapped her on the shoulder and slipped off the horse when they entered an alleyway and he ducked against a wall.  He hurled, loudly, spilling out what little he had to eat that morning and wiped his mouth with the rag.

Christer frowned, looking up at her and paling further.  "Sorry," he muttered.  "We, ugh...should find a place to lay low for a while.  I just... ugh don't know where."

She came to his side, her race wrought with worry as his face was ghostly pale. She nodded in agreement but that was it, she thought of their options which were few and far. "Perhaps we should seek out a merchant, or I could just go?" On second thought maybe that wasn't such a good idea, the guards seeking them were probably on the chase and they needed somewhere to hide and quick.

Thankfully, they were near a market and hopefully finding a merchant wouldn't be too tricky.

"Hrmmm," Christer said, catching his breath.  He tried not to breathe directly toward her, for courtesy's sake.  "Perhaps...Perhaps it's best to just leave here.  If we stay...they'll find us for sure.  We have a horse now.  We have water it looks like, and whatever else are in these saddlebags." 

He stood and sighed then looked on to the market, then to her ring.  "Maybe...maybe if we're quick about it," he said then looked into her eyes.  "Okay...we'll do it.  Take the horse along.  At the first scent of trouble I say we run for it yes?"

And here she thought Christer was the big bad brute that patrolled the Dewitt walls for as long as she could remember, and now he was get nauseated from the sight of his own blood. Of course the motion from the horse contributed too, but even so, Rose found herself in a predicament where she was now taking control.

"Right, feel free to stay with the horse, a merchant shouldn't be far." She gazed at the bustling crowds, people selling all sorts of goods.

"And I promise to come back this time." She slipped off the ring, pocketing it into her trouser pocket before taking off towards the market area.

"No, no.  We-" he coughed hard "-shouldn't be separated."  But it was too late.  She was already gone when the words wheezed out of him and Christer looked up to the horse now in their possession.  He was a chestnut gelding, with a white cross-like patch on his forehead and the horse chuffed at the knight's speculation.

"I'm sorry, we took you.  I hope you find it in your equine heart to forgive us," Christer said.  "And the flop of a bodyguard I turned out to be.  Don't tell my father, whatever you do.  He wouldn't think very highly of me to know I puked over a little blood."

The horse chuffed again and wiggled his nose against his head.  "I know, I know.  I've got to keep an eye out.  Okay, you look that way, and I'll looked the other way," he said, as he turned his eyes to the growing crowd, in case those men came back.

But as the morning waned on, more and more people would fill the market, and Christer found it difficult to keep track of who was who.  "Please, hurry, Rose," he murmured half to himself and half to the horse.  "Please!"

She plundered through the crowds of people, searching the stalls for a merchant, it took her a little while with all the shoving and eagerness from other townspeople, but she found one, and quickly hit up conversation before anyone else had a chance.

"My ring here, I want to sell it." She held it out to him as he inspected it inquisitively, his eyes widening at the gold quality, and the brush of diamonds cascading over it. He nodded, offering her a generous amount of coin before she handed it over, trying to fight her way through the crowd and back to Christer.

She smiled triumphantly as she approached him, more so that she did something by herself but also that she had gotten a fair amount of coin. "The deed is done." She nodded, jerking the horse into motion. "Where should we lay low?" She enquired with a more quietened voice, afraid someone might here.

Christer thought he was going to puke again from the anxiety.  However it quickly subsided when he at last saw her and he smiled, though swallowed back a dry-heave.  "Okay, finally.  The task is done and...I still don't feel any better, but that is beside the point."  He sighed and looked around.  "I think any inn or public place is out of the question.  Perhaps we can take some supplies and head out into the forest.  I know it's scary, but it's all I can think of that might offer some safety.  At least for a few hours so that we might sleep.  I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted."

Her brow furrowed down as she looked at him in concern, his face pale as a sheet, lacking any form of colour, yet here he was, brushing it off like it was nothing. She placed her hand to his forehead, the skin clammy and hot to the touch. "You look and feel terrible, of course I mean that in the nicest way possible." Yes, the Lady did have a sense of humour.

At the mention of heading out into the forest, she gulped down the nerves from the predicament. "I guess we have no choice." She offered a meek smile, before she grabbed the horses reins, leading it toward the forest.

Christer attributed most of his inner illness to his nerves.  He'd just attacked men bearing the same seal as the lord he swore an oath to.  He betrayed that oath by intervening and yet somehow he felt perfectly justified for doing so.  But it didn't make his headache any better.  Christer could only imagine the consequences of such an action, what would happen when they were found, as they inevitably would be.

How hard could it be to find two fools in the forest?

When they set out into the woods, Christer sat atop the horse, jostling slightly.  He wished he could ask where they were going.  But neither of them knew and it was only where their feet finally paused to rest.  "The sun is setting soon," he commented, gesturing up to the sky.  "You don't suppose we should make camp?  Or something to that effect."

As they stopped she looked at the space with speculation. Even in her younger years she never had the priviledge to have fun and make camp outside, playing around with fellow children while doing so. This, new life...it was so very different to what she was accustomed to and even though it was difficult and strained every fibre in her body, she felt free, not constricted to etqiuette and the bounds that tied her to her name; and fate.

"I suppose..." She clicked her tongue in thought, scrutinizing the area, looking at foliage and a safe space to set up a sort of camp. "Where do we even start?"

Christer was starting to feel better when at last they decided to stop for the coming evening.  "I'm not really sure.  I'm not really the outdoorsy type myself.  I just think that's the custom with living 'out in the wild' as it were."  He hopped off the horse, landing rather unceremoniously against it's ass and the animal flicked it's tail in his direction.

Christer spat and kicked some leaves around.  "This is good I think.  Plenty of bushes and trees to give us cover.  And I think I hear water nearby!"  He smiled suddenly and motioned for her to follow him through the trees.  And sure enough there was a running stream.  "Yes, let's stop here.  I only just realize now how thirsty I am!"  And dunked his whole head into the stream.

She found herself laughing, a genuine, unforced, happy laugh that consumed her. She found herself clutching her stomach and doubling over, Christer's antics having thrown her into a sudden fit of the giggles. How can one man go from being on edge to so nonchalantly free? She took a finger a wiped away a tear that brimmed at her waterline before kneeling down and sighing as she cupped her hand in the water, tasting its freshness.

"I needed that." She smiled at him, and for a moment she completely forgot about the fact they were on the run, away from all the guards, away from her luxurious life. Now she was about to sleep on a bed of leaves, next to her fathers guard and a horse they had stolen.

"I guess, we need some kind of fire?" She wasn't sure how this outdoor thing worked, but she had heard things here and there of basic survival in the wilds.

The water was exactly what he needed and Christer threw his head back with a sigh of satisfaction.  The day had rendered him a bundle of nerves so much so that he quickly undid the clasps on his armor and slipped out of it and dunked his head into the water again.  After he cooled off, he peered back up to Rose and quirked his brows, as her laughter subsided.

He hadn't realized she had been laughing at him, but it soon passed and he gave her a sheepish grin.  "A fire.  Oh right.  Yes, we need to stay warm!" he said and stood up, shaking his hair out as he went and looked about for small twigs and leaves.  "Fortunately, this is one thing I do remember from my knight training," he said conversationally.

He returned beside her when he had a bundle gathered underneath his arm.  "There was more than one occasion of getting lost in the forest, or being left behind as some sort of disciplinary action, that forced me to learn how to make a proper fire.  I can show you if you like. There's got to be some flint in that saddle bag there. It'd be just a small smooth rock...I think."