Lasting Decisions [Lion]

[CalamityMei]

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.

[Lion]

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.

[CalamityMei]

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.

[Lion]

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.

[CalamityMei]

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.

[Lion]

"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.

[CalamityMei]

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.

[Lion]

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.

[CalamityMei]

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.

[Lion]

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?"

[CalamityMei]

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.

[Lion]

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. 

[CalamityMei]

"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."

[Lion]

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.

[CalamityMei]

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.

[Lion]

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.

[CalamityMei]

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.

[Lion]

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!"

[CalamityMei]

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.

[Lion]

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."