She should have been thankful she had gotten away from her kidnappers with her life, but she was currently half-weeping over the fact she was actually able to come out of this alive and in her favorite pink dress. Though it was soiled, dirty and torn; it was the only thing she had left that connected her back to nobility, and she was not about to let that portion of her life slips away.
The last few weeks had been some sort of surreal, lucid nightmare- and she had no idea she was capable of such things- nor were men. And it was only when she had come back to reality outside of the dark that she realized why she had even been in this mess to begin this.
She had to get back to her husband. And now she was beginning to wish she had not been so foolish. Now what could she tell him? That she wanted to fix their marriage but had just been having hot and wild sex with a bunch of kidnappers? Granted.. it had been against her will some of the time, but Valia's sex drive had been so repressed, she enjoyed it and found herself almost never fighting when they took advantage.
But it left her feeling so dirty, and so numb- and with no idea where to go, she found herself half- in tears before she saw the back of a man dressed in soldier's clothing.
Oh, thank Ansgar! A soldier! A soldier would protect her! A soldier would keep her safe! A soldier would see her safely brought back to her husband.
And now her tears were slipping down her cheeks as she dashed after him and clung to his arm suddenly.
"Oh, dear soldier! Help me please! Men had attacked me, tried to kidnap me but I got away! Please, I have to get back to warn my father. To be reunited with my husband! And I-"
And the second the soldier turned around she remembered the face and a shiver coursed through her.
"Trevian?" She blinked. "Trevian Treyburn?"
And immediately she remembered the exact words he whispered to her at the ball and flushed.
Trevian was just finishing saddling his horse when he heard the voice of a woman. Its familiarity was quickly overwhelmed by its sense of urgency and fear, and he turned around with his hand on his sword almost immediately...to come face to face with Lady Valia Coleridge.
Trev's surprise was apparent. He looked her over once -- but then, trained soldier that he was, his eyes lifted to the path behind her.
"Lady Coleridge, your sister has all of Connlaoth looking for you!" But she had been attacked by men -- men who would, no doubt, want her back... "Please accept my sincerest apologies for my boldness, but..." Looking away from the forest path, his eyes met hers, and he gave her a wide, roguish grin. "...Fighting was never my strong suit."
Grabbing her by the waist without warning, he boosted her up onto the saddle of his horse and swung up behind her just as a small knot of men cleared the path. Trev dug his heels into his mount, and the beast thundered forward. He kept waiting for a crossbow to dig into his back as they hurried away -- but luck was with them, it seemed.
It was only when he judged the distance great enough did he slow his horse and turn his attention to the girl huddled in his arms. "Are you alright, my lady?"
Before Valia could speak, her breath was caught within her throat and she- drawn onto a saddle and held protectively within the man's arms. Her heart, she only realized now, was beating so fast it was deafening, so at his words, she blankly blinked before what he said caught up to her.
"No," she admitted, tears stinging at her eyes. "Let's just get away from here. Far from here." And she shivered. Lest those men find her again...
Part of Trev -- the part he associated with his mother -- was elated that he had been the one to find the missing sister of the Grand Duchess -- but he was sincerely concerned for her. She looked terrible and hurting...and his kindness over-rode that little voice.
"My brother's house is near here. It's quiet and...pretty much in the middle of nowhere." Even as he spoke, he slowly worked off his jacket, which Valia would soon find tucked around her in an almost brotherly gesture. "We'll be safe there."
He felt a bit bad hoping his siblings wouldn't be around, but... Illi would get overly involved, somehow...although Lady Coleridge could probably use some feminine sympathy...
"At least for the night. We can head to the palace in the morning."
Valia cringed at the notion, but nodded her head. Oh! Her sister would be FURIOUS with her. But her sister's scorn was better than finding herself entangled in a mess of again with those two brother kidnappers- and with a sigh and shake of her head she simply nodded.
"Y-yes, just please. Hurry and get us there!" She was exhausted and hadn't had proper sleep in days.
Trev wanted to pry -- of course he did! -- but he let the girl sit in silence as he maneuvered the horse onto a trail that led towards Red's property. She was lucky they weren't far from the weaponsmith...although he doubted anything of Illi's would contain her chest, he realized with a thoughtful frown.
"I'll see what I can do about getting you something to wear from my sister's closet." Even if he wasn't too optimistic...
Her mind was a mess, as was her clothing, but at the idea of losing her lovely pink dress, her expression turned to that of fear. She leaned away from him a little, half hugging her arms around herself.
"But this dress was gifted to me by my sister....."
And it was pink! And she had barely even worn the thing- and now it was in shambles, like the rest of her life.
Rather than finding himself annoyed, Trev merely needed slightly and answered soothingly, "I understand. You wouldn't want someone of my fumbling skill to repair or launder it, but we could certainly store it safely away until we can find someone to give it the attention it deserves. I'll pay for the repairs myself, my Lady -- my seamstress is the best in Uthlyn." Although, he thought, the dress was likely beyond even her skill... "In the meantime, you'll have something clean and comfortable to wear."
Thank goodness Illi was a bit girly...
"How does that sound?"
Valia wasn't sure what she thought, so instead of saying a word, she simply nodded her head and shivered in his arms.
It didn't take them long to reach their destination: a little cottage and workshop set back from the main road. In the yard, the soldier helped his charge off the horse and readjusted his jacket over her shoulders for the moderate warmth the over-sized jacket offered her.
Trev knocked a few times, but there was no answer. He shot the door a thoughtful frown, then slipped a set of picks out of his pocket. "I'll have this door open in a minute..."
Red wouldn't mind him breaking and entering -- not if there was a lady in distress concerned. True to his word, a moment later, the door was swinging open to reveal a neat, cozy little cottage. "Red? Illi?" Trev called as he gently guided the girl inside. Silence greeted them, and Trev turned to look at her with a warm smile. "Looks like it's just us."
Valia shifted her weight beneath the jacket. It was cold, though most of Connlaoth was freezing, so the second the place was opened she rushed inside. But.it was cold in their, too. Shivering, she turned to Trevian.
"It.. its cold," she.murmured. "And small." Tucking back some blond locks she began to look around, and part of her had to wonder if this place was similar to the cabin her sister and the king of thieves stole away to.
"I'll start a fire," Trev replied and made his way over to the fireplace. He crouched down in front of it, then laughed softly. "Seems that way, doesn't it?" He, after all, was much more accustomed to grander accommodations himself...and he rarely had reason to visit his brother. "Red was disowned when I was just a kid, so what he's got, he had to earn himself."
And, to be honest, he didn't do too bad...
There was a crack, and, finally, a blame blossomed in the fireplace.
"I'll pull a chair over for you to warm yourself. Do you like tea, my lady?"
Valia chewed on the inside of her cheek as she waited, her eyes still scanning the musty smelling small home. But when a chair was offered, she shook her head.
"Y-yes." What noble lady didn't like tea?
Trev moved into a kitchen, where his movements were accompanied by the sounds of clattering pans before he returned with the tea pot. He placed this over the fire, then disappeared back into the kitchen in search of a tea set.
Thank God for Illi, he mused, or he'd be likely to find nothing at all.
When he came back this time, it was with the tea set balanced in one hand and with a sleeping gown draped over the other. "This probably isn't as fine as the clothing you're used to, but it will do, I think."
Valia blinked at the plain linen and wrinkled her nose. But even as she found hints of arrogance ready and hot at the tip of her tongue, instead of saying anything at all, the poor girl suddenly broke down an cried.
Trev's expression shifted quickly, moving from something cheerful to concerned as he set the set and gown down. It may not have been overly appropriate -- but, well, Trev wasn't quite known for such things. His arms circled her in a comforting embrace, enveloping her in warmth and a faint smell of his cologne mixed with that of a fresh fire.
"There, there," he urged soothingly. "You're safe now. Just let it out."
Valia choked on her sobs, and for once in her life- was at a loss of words. His words were soothing, his body warm and soft,a nd what she wouldn't give for those arms to be her husbands as she melted into them and continued to weep.
Trevian's reputation, while deserved, often omitted his kindness and his patience. With unlimited sympathy, he let her sob onto his shoulder, leaving a growing tear-stain in the fabric of his uniform as he let her, simply, cry. After what she had been through -- whatever that entailed -- it was probably for the best.
As her sobs began to fall away, they were replaced by another sound -- the gurgling bubble of the water heating in the kettle. It would begin to whistle soon, reminding them that their tea could be made ready.
Rather than pull away from her or push her back, he murmured softly, "The tea's about done, my lady." And he would leave it to her if she wanted him to attend the tea or if she felt better clinging to him. Except for the obnoxious whistle of the tea pot, he would have let her cry on his shoulder all night.
In fact, that still might happen...
Valia gave a small sniffle, her face puffy from tears as she brushed away at a few of them.
"Y-yes. The tea," she said through a hot sigh,a nd peered away from him, looking at the kettle as she fussed over her pink, torn skirts. "Maybe some tea will make me feel better."
But thank the Gods she was with someone she knew. Someone that could help her- even as she felt so embarrassed and ashamed over what had happened between her and those men...
And recalling that fact made her shiver.
Trev handkerchief appeared in his hand. He was a man who enjoyed fine things, and his silken handkerchief, embroidered with his initials, reflected this fact. With a tender smile, he lightly pressed the fine material against her swollen cheeks, dabbing away the tears gently.
With the light of the fire highlighting her face -- and now that he was properly looking at her -- he could see the bruising now...and it made him take all the more care. "There we are." His smile seemed satisfied as his eyes moved searchingly over her delicate features. He wasn't much of a fighter, it was true, but the men who hurt her would be lucky to escape his wrath if they found them now.
"Keep this, in case you should find need of it," he offered as he tucked the handkerchief neatly into her hand. He swung the kettle away from the fire, just as it began to pop and hiss, and turned his attention back to the girl.
The poor, hurting girl...
"Are you sure you won't sit?"
She hadn't even realized she'd been standing, and with an awkward nod of her head, she moved to a presented chair and took a seat- and though she tried to stave off her trembling, her lips still did so anyway.
"Two lumps," she said, then released a trembling breath. "In.. in my tea. Two lumps of sugar..." ANd she shivered, finding herself gripping the kerchief tighter before adding, more softer, "Please."
"Yes, my lady." Trev tilted his head slightly in acquiescence, and then he began to make the tea with a bit of grace that was, perhaps, surprising.
Then again, he was a bachelor, even if he rarely spent much time alone.
The tea was brought over to her and set on the end table beside her. "Excuse me," he murmured as he reached past her to draw thick furs off the back of the couch. He draped these over her lap and tucked them in gently around her, creating a soft, warm cushion to protect her from the chilly air. Her tea was soon brought to her as well, and Trev blew the steam gently off the top before offering it to her.
He himself drew up a chair to sit across from her, and, as they sampled the tea, the firelight drew long shadows against the opposite wall in their images.
"Are you hurt? That is, do you need a wound tended?" Because she was obviously hurt...
As the fire crackled and popped, and their shadows danced among them, she stared gravely down at her tea in a long, drawn out silence.
"N-No, I... well, yes, I... But I can wait to return home. My... my doctor there could see to my wounds." And she moved uncomfortably beneath the fur blankets while staring down at her tea, but still not drinking any.
"But you shouldn't wait," he answered. His eyes moved over her slender figure, searching for evidence of her injuries, before lifting back to her face. "If infection sets in..."
Well, it could be truly terrible...
"I'm no surgeon, but I know how to dress a wound. If you've been hurt, we should look at it sooner rather than later." Trev spoke softly but earnestly, his face conveying a gentle concern for her well-being...and, judging by the bruises he could see and state of her clothes, he had every right to be concerned.
At the very mention of it, fear over took her, whitening her face and wrinkling it in a horrid manner. And she was back to tears again, fresh one's sparkling across her eyes.
"N-no. I must insist. I'd rather wait for my own doctor." Lest she have to go into all of these details with him- considering not a single part of her body was spared those kidnappers wrath. They too advantage of everything.
Trevian regarded her for a moment in silence, then set his tea aside. He scooted from his chair onto the arm of her chair, and then he pulled her into a gentle hug.
"No one is going to make you do anything against your will. And I won't force you to relive whatever terrible things you've experienced in the last weeks."
He pulled back from her slightly -- but only enough to look into her face. "But it might make you feel a little better if you could bring yourself to put some trust in me. I want to help you, but I need to know what happened -- at least a bit -- so I can protect you better."
His expression as he gazed down upon her was kind and open, and it was filled with concern and determination.
"Whatever it is -- wherever it is -- you've no reason to be embarrassed or afraid. But I should take a look. I should see how bad it is."
Despite how much he tried to comfort her, Valia began to soon choke on her own sobs.
"But you don't understand!" she said, pulling herself away. She gave an aggressive shake of her head. "What.. what happened." And she pouted, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. "It's not so easily to speak of it." And the last part was spoken on barely a breath.
Trev's nod was so slight that it was almost imperceptible. "And, yet, it must be." He added, gently, "My lady, you've already overcome the worst of it. You've escaped your captors and found someone who will protect and care for you until you're reunited with your family. But if you're hurt, your wound could still put an end to your escape before we reach Reajh."
It was at thinking of her family, and of her shame that brought a new round of fresh tears to her eyes.
"But it's.. it's all over," she choked through a sob. For not one part of her person was not sullied by those men- including her heart.
"Oh, sweet girl," he breathed, cradling her gently against him. "Not all wounds heal so easily. They need to be cleaned and sterilized, or you risk an infection."
And infections, as he hoped she knew, could be deadly...
"The best thing to do is to address it now, before it has time to fester. The longer it goes without treatment, the worse it will be."
"But I..." Valia began, trembling back into her woe and tears. "There is not a place you couldn't look,"s he whispered, and down cast her gaze. "They tormented me and violated me all over." And she felt her skin crawl at the thought.
Trevian's expression hardened as she clarified what she had suffered. Death would be too good for those men, should he happen to find them... "I understand," he murmured softly as his arms tightened around her again. "You don't have to say any more."
No, he understood now...
"Let me go pour you a hot bath while you drink your tea, my lady. That's the best remedy I know."
Valia gave a rigid nod of her head at the suggestion.
"Yes, a bath.." she could have wept at the idea- and in fact, was. "A bath sounds great." And once she realized she was crying again,s he foolishly wiped at the tears, using his offered kerchief as she sniffled while still being captured within his arms.
With one last pat on her shoulder, Trev rose to do just that. It would take him a little time -- he wasn't familiar with Red's house and where to find everything. Besides, heating the water would take some time...
As he saw it, giving her some time to herself wasn't a bad thing. She had, without a doubt, suffered terribly at the hands of the men who had taken her...and some time to herself might be the best thing for her.
With tea, of course!
The bath was soon ready, and Trevian appeared in the doorway of the cozy sitting room to announce it. "The bath is ready, Lady Coleridge. I've laid out the soaps and towels for you."
Valia had barely sipped at her tea, finding herself staring at the wall and idly brushing her fingers through her long hair. Her lips, she found, continued to tremble, and her leg, unable to stop swinging and moving from where she sat. So it was when he mentioned the bath that she was broken from her spell, not realizing she had been so entrapped within the day-time nightmares of the memories of what had come to pass, that she breathed a sigh of relief to see it was only him.
"Yes.. oh.. thank you..." And she gently moved to rise and disappeared into the bathing room, but found herself only able to stare at the water, her fingers nearly useless in removing herself from her filthy torn dress.
Trevian had hesitated by the door -- not to be a creep, actually, but just to ensure he wouldn't be needed further. He couldn't help but notice that there were no splashes or the sound of waves cresting over the edge onto the floor. There was, in fact, no sound at all.
He hesitated a moment, then knocked softly upon the doorframe. "Lady Coleridge, is there anything you need?"
What he wouldn't give for a lady's maid just now...
At his words, pride got her as she choked on her tears, and all he'd be able to hear were her sobs. Oh, if only she could just us her fingers to get herself out of her dress! What a mess she was! What a mess everything was!
Trev knocked softly on the door. "Lady Coleridge?" He hesitated a moment, then squared his shoulders. "Lady Coleridge, I'm coming in."
The door opened to reveal her -- just her. He'd been half-afraid they'd been discovered, somehow, and he eased his hand off his weapon now to approach her.
Rather than point out that she was obviously crying again, to save her a bit of her pride, he smiled -- a soft, sympathetic smile -- and asked, "Having some trouble with the corset? I can help you get it started, if you like."
Sniffling, Valia turned away from him, not even having the strength, nor care, to act bashful. Instead, she used what strength remained in her trembling hands to pull her long golden hair from over her shoulder to give him better access to the strings of her clothes.
Trev stepped forward to address the corset problem....and what a problem it was. This had not been tied by any lady's maid -- he would wager his life on that. "I do have a little expertise in this field," he joked good-naturedly as his fingers began to deftly pick at the knots. "Just tell me when you want me to stop, my lady."
The first knot was the toughest to undo. It took several tries and some concentration to pick it apart. Just when he had begun to think he would need to use his knife against the stubborn lace, it finally came free.
"Don't tell anyone," he murmured as he turned his attention to a snaggy second knot. "But I'm rather fond of the color pink myself. It's your favorite, isn't it?"
At his first joke, she shot daggers his way. It was not a comment to make her feel more at ease, considering the situation, and she was not that daft not to understand his... reputation. But she held her tongue, just happy to be away from them and sighed when she felt the corset finally coming loose. Keeping a hand to the front of her garb, she frown at his question.
"Yes. It has always been."
Ever since she was younger, everything had to be pink.
"Sorry," he apologized softly, catching the look she shot him in the mirror. He wasn't so proud that he couldn't own up to his faults. "I only meant that you needn't worry about me damaging your dress. I won't be able to manage anything too intricate, but I could even help you with your hair, if need be."
For, you know, reasons.
Focusing on the color pink -- which was a safe enough topic -- he asked, "Is this your favorite shade?"
Valia held back any words on his comments, before finally, releasing a hot sigh through her nose. She had to keep her temper in check- and to also remember...
Trevian Treyburn was not those men. But then, distracted, only barely by his question, she picked at the lace fringe of her skirt.
"No.. normally I prefer the colors brighter,"s he murmured.
"That's good," he answered with the bright, charming smile that came so naturally to him and made his eyes wink like gems. "Then I have something for you. I'm sure my sister won't mind you borrowing it."
He took a break from his careful unlacing of her corset to present her with a single item from the stand beside the tub. Once she accepted it, he stepped back behind her to continue to pull the laces free.
It was no large or expensive gift -- a simple tube of bright pink lipstick.
"There. How is that?"
Valia blinked and peered up at him.
"Lip stick?"
Oh.. how she hadn't the time or ability to dawn any make up on since the kidnapping. She clutched a hand around it and just stared at it quietly, not certain what to say. But it felt... strange to her, to be holding such a thing- and also odd for her to realize.. she just didn't feel like wearing any make up- even if she honest to God wanted to.
"For the morning," he answered soothingly. Obviously, who put make-up on before a bath?
Stepping back from her, he offered her a kind smile. "I'll just be in the net room if you need me, my lady. Is there anything else I can do for you before I go?"
Valia stared down at the lip stick for a long while in silence before shaking her head.
"N-no... I.. I shall be fine." And even as she said it, she sniffled a little as she fell back into silence.
Trev's gaze softened, but he only nodded slightly and stepped backwards into a graceful bow. "I am your's to command, my lady. You have only to call for me."
He hesitated a moment longer, then, without another word, he quietly closed the door in his wake.
Poor Valia Coleridge...
Stepping into the bath, she found herself staring off in thought more than once. She could hardly bathe herself, evne if she wanted to- but she did make sure to clean out between her legs as best she could, before becoming lost in a distant stare. And then closing her tired eyes, she found herself crying as she buried her face into her hands. THen when she had all but been exhausted of tears, somehow, sitting there in the now luke warm waters... Valia found herself drifting off slowly to sleep.
Though it was an uncomfortable and brief sleep, she slept none the less- and the horrors of what those captives had done to her caused her to suddenly jerk awake as she cried out in alarm and clung suddenly to both sides fo the tub.
ANd it took her a moment to realize..
She wans't at home-
but she wasn't in their clutches- and suddenly her pink eyes sparkled over in tears again.
Trevian had found something to make for dinner -- nothing grand, but it was something of sustenance, anyway. He had just settled the plates down upon the table when a scream echoed through the small house. He dropped the plates onto the table with a crash, and he dashed towards the bathroom.
"Lady Coleridge!" he announced as he burst into the bathing room, a dagger in his hand. "Lady Coleridge, wha--"
Of course, a quick sweep around the room proved that she was alone... He cleared his throat softly and hastily half-turned from her, even as he re-sheathed his weapon. "I'm sorry. I thought I heard a scream..."
The moment the door was flung open- Valia stared. And then, after realizing what just ocurred, her entire face heated.
"Y-yes.. you did." She dropped her gaze tot he tub, and hugged her legs to her chest, which barely was enough coverage to keep her ample assets modest or hidden from view.
"I... I had fallen asleep and..... it must've startled me."
Trevian's nod is quite graceful, simple though it is, and his eyes remain steadily elsewhere. His posture was an odd combination of a soldier's stance, firm and noble, yet, somehow, relaxed in spite of that.
"Accept my apologies, my lady. When you are dressed, I've put together a bit of something for you to eat."
Valia didn't know what to say. So at first, she said nothing before her eyes dropped to her knees.
"Y-Yes.. I.. I think I'm done here. Thank you."
ANd turning to him, she asked, "If.. you could give me soem privacy to get dressed." Though once he obliged her, she found it quite difficult to actually do that, as she wasn't able to pull herself out of hte tub. Her legs were just too weak-a nd she had no idea how exhausted she was.
So after collapsing back int the water and nearly crying, she croaked out a request towards the door.
"T...Trevian?" And she paused a moment before inquiring. "I.. I think I need your help.."
Oh, this was going ot be embarassing.
"I... can't get out of the tub."
Trev had had a feeling... The splashes had had something to do with that as he hovered outside the door.
"Of course, my lady." With the air of a gentleman, he swept back into the bathroom. Without a glance in her direction, he shook out the large, fluffy towel that had been warmed nearby.
"Put your arms out." Once she had complied, he draped the towel over her form in the tub, careful not to glance down until she was safely covered by the cloth. Once it was in place, he smiled at her and murmured, "Put your arms around my neck. And forgive my familiarity."
His arms as they encircled her were gentle but firm as he lifted her up out of the tub. With the towel pressed between them, there was a thin shield of modesty...and no chance of the towel escaping to ruin it.
Once she was out of the bathtub, he swung her up, bridal-style, and carried her towards the livingroom, where he settled her on the couch with the towel tucked around her. He returned to the bathroom for the sleeping gown.
"I hope you don't mind if I take the liberty." It was a plain gown, but the thicker material would be warmer than silk, to be sure. He helped bring the gown over her head, patiently threading through each of her arms, until she was fully dressed.
Once she was dressed, he disappeared again, returning this time with the hairbrush. "If you'll let me do just this one last thing for you, I think dinner should be ready to be served."
It happened like a dream- being tended to this way, so caringly, without thinking, and making sure everything was just so...
She felt as if she were floating on some distant cloud- and maybe she was. Thoughts had long come and go, and emotions were tapering away, and so did the tears. By the time the dress was pulled over her, she was feeling numb and found herself simply staring at the wall- with no one thought about her, so when he offered to brush her hair, she nodded out of instinct, but it still didn't feel real. Was she asleep? Did she pass out? Or was this just some twisted perversion of reality.
None of the rape had happened did it?
None of the violence of the pain?
None of her years of anger and regret?
She kept her gaze upon the wall, and the only thing that made her soften was the sudden sounds of rain tickling against a nearby window.
The brush whispered through her hair. Tenderly, he worked through some of the knots that had formed, careful not to pull or cause her discomfort. His strokes were steady, repeating until her hair fell through his fingers like molten gold.
"Your hair is quite lovely," he murmured as he began to wind the hair into a careful braid. With a smile, he peeked around at her face, adding softly, "Are you hungry, my lady? I wish I had something more fitting to your position, but we'll make due."
The brushing of her hair had been relaxing, a calming that she so desperately needed after all that chaos she had just survived. She couldn't even bear to think on it- her once perfect skin, now bruised and even scarred in some instances. But at the mention of food, she only gave a rigid shake of her head.
"I am not sure I could eat, but it has been days since I have."
"Well, let's give it a try, shall we?"
The worst that would happen is that the food would sit on her plate untouched...
Trev made quick work of plating the meal he had prepared and presenting it to her. Given her condition, he wished he had found something a bit less hearty...but, at least there were apples. "I'm afraid I'm not much of a chef. Nor is the pantry particularly well-stocked, but..."
Well, wasn't it better than nothing?
The tray that he set upon her lap was, as stated, rather of poorer quality than she was used to, but Trevian had gone to some lengths to make it presentable. He had even gone so far as to cut her food up into properly bite-sized pieces for her. Tender pieces of pork were drizzled lightly in gravy and accompanied by roasted apples and glazed carrots. A glass of water sat upon the tray as well, to which the man added: "Believe me, the wine is terrible."
The entire meal was delivered not with the air of a man serving an invalid; rather, Trevian deferred to Valia as though she were a lady enjoying breakfast in bed and he her faithful servant.
When her eyes went to the plate of food, she stared at it for a good long while. And muttered her thanks, though dryly. But she must've been more hungry than she thought, for once she had tried to food, she kept on eating, until just about most of the plate was clean.
As they ate, rather than endure silence, Trevian talked. It was nothing of consequence, nor was there an expectation of conversation...although an opening here or there in his speech indicated that she was welcome, at any time, to share her opinion. His speech was soft, given over to a soothing rhythm as he told her about his family, choosing only those pieces that might be appropriate for a lady (because much of it wasn't) and addressing each member of his family with a humorous, somehow fable-like quality that made each seem a caricature of themselves...and, yet, at the same time, he spoke of them with a frank, good-natured honesty from the heart that indicated how tightly-knit the siblings were.
"...But you look tired," he appraised as he took away her empty plate and glass. "And I could talk until the end of days if I'm not stopped."
It was amazing how little talking, really, he did with most...and not because they were busy doing other things. He was far more accustomed to listening, frankly...but, somehow, he didn't think Valia wanted to do much talking right now.
"I've had a fire going in the bedroom. I should think the room is quite comfortable by now, if you'd like to go to bed." He had paused in front of her in a crouch, his expression locked in that same kind smile. "And, in the morning, with any luck, the rain will have stopped, and we'll have good weather for travelling."
Valia gave a nod. She took in each thing he said, but not much of it actually sunk in. But the tone of his voice was nice to listen to, and it helped relax her. So at the suggestion of sleeping in a bed, she gave an eager nod.
"Yes, I should like that very much," she said quietly.
Trev smiled and nodded. "As you wish, my lady."
She was beginning to get some of her color back, he noticed, thanks to the food and the heat of the fire. It was a good sign, he thought; it was not good for someone to be so dreadfully pale for so long!
Once again, she was swept into his arms and carried into the bedroom. Upon further inspection, he had discovered that she would have to spend the night in Red's room; Illi, wherever she was, had apparently taken her pillows and heavier quilts with her. And, besides, Red's room was actually closer to the livingroom, so it would be easier for Trev to keep an eye on the young lady.
The bed was already unmade, with the covers pulled back invitingly. He set her down tenderly and began to graciously tuck her in. "Is there anything else I can get you before you go to sleep?"
Once set into the bed, she practically melted into it. It was nothing like the fancy, feathered beds she was used to back at Orchy, or even when she was growing up in Highheart, but she was in no position to complain, nor would she want to. So when his question was posed, she shook her head.
"No... but I.. I should like it if you'd stay with me," she said, her hand finding his. "At least until I fall asleep."
After all,s he still feared what might happen if her eyes were to close. What if those men came back? And the very idea made her go stiff with fear.
The flickering of a light in his house, at first, did not alarm the eldest of the Treyburn brood as he made his way towards his small house. He was accustomed to his sister's presence, ever a cheerful source of company...as well as delicious food. He quickly constructed a list in his head of the meals she might be concocting -- something terribly practical, of course, thanks to their limited income -- but wonderful, nonetheless.
He could all-but smell the scents of roasted meats when it suddenly dawned on him that it was quite late at night for his sister to be awake. In fact, not only was it late, but that silhouette that had moved against the window was not very feminine in the least... And, besides, Illi was meant to be on holiday...
His eye narrowed slightly at the thought that, perhaps, bandits had found his little cottage...but if they thought acquiring his things would be easy, they were about to learn a very painful lesson about stealing from a Treyburn...
Valia's request had made Trevian smile and nod. "I'll just go get a chair," he answered her gently. The bed wasn't that big -- his brother had obviously given up on the idea of marriage -- and it would have been rather improper for him to sit down beside her... But a chair placed beside the bed would be proper...even if it would give him an ache in his neck come morning.
There was good reason to believe they were safe -- at least, for the time being. Night had fallen quickly, which would have made it difficult for the men searching for her to track them to the cottage...and, over the packed, well-travelled road they had taken to arrive here, it would have been nearly impossible in the first place. Besides, it was unlikely he had been recognized -- and, if, on the off-chance the kidnappers had recognized his family crest, there was no reason for them to assume he hadn't continued on to the Treyburn Estate, merely a few hours travel from this very place. Redly had been disinherited so long ago he was all-but forgotten as he languished here...even, sometimes, by the Treyburns themselves.
As he picked up a chair, he had nearly convinced himself that there was no reason for him to be so anxious when he heard something that sounded too much like a footfall from the hallway outside of Valia's room.
It was probably nothing...but he left the chair and drew his sword, just in case.
Redly moved cautiously through the house. Long years spent here had taught him which floorboards creaked and which doors required careful opening. Like a ghost, he moved from the back door through the kitchen to the narrow hallway from which the bedrooms sprang. His goal was to reach his bedroom, where he kept his sword.
He opened the door softly and slipped inside, surprised to find that this room, too, had been inhabited by the brigands. A fire warmed the room from the hearth, throwing flickering shadows out over the room. Beneath the heavy covers of his bed, he could make out a figure.
A very feminine figure.
It was odd enough that it made him pause and strain his eye to make out more detail. Well, women could be brigands as well, he supposed, as the woman suddenly noticed his presence. Her scream was almost deafening -- almost. By some miracle, he heard the squeak of the floorboard behind him calling out its warning.
There was a cloaked figure standing in the doorway of Valia's room -- and a quick glance around seemed to confirm that he was alone. From the backside, he wasn't particularly impressive in stature or build -- but that made him no less dangerous if he was determined to kidnap Valia back.
Trevian was so intent on his goal that he hadn't quite realized the floorboard beneath his foot had creaked until the man turned. (How could he hear anything over Valia's scream?) Whoever he was, Trevian thought, he had damned good hearing and rather impressive reflexes -- oh, and a pair of pistols.
The soldier found himself staring down the barrel of a pistol, already armed, pointed at his face; a second gun had been pointed at Valia. His own sword, half-raised to strike, seemed a bit ineffective suddenly...until he raised his gaze from the weapons to the face of the man holding them.
An eyepatch. And a scar. "About time you got home." Trev ignored the one-eyed man as he unarmed both guns and thrust them back into his belt with a practiced air about him. His own sword also returned to where it belonged as he crossed the room in a few long strides. "It's alright, my lady. There's no need to be frightened. This is my brother."
"You're brother?!" Valia squeaked, unable to decipher if she should be angry or elated, so she chose to remain exasperated as she stared at the pair of them. "So this.. this is... your brother, whom owns this simple shack?"
And soon Valia found herself shaking, both out of rage and impotence. To think.. yet another man would have to see her in such a state. It was enough to bring back fresh tears to her hot pink eyes as she drew the blankets more securely and more closely against her form.
"That's the guy," Trevian answered with a nod.
To his credit, Redly was reacting fairly well to this blatant invasion of his home. With his guns safely holstered, he swept his hood off of his head and momentarily vanished. When he returned, the cloak and his boots alike were missing, and he remained in the doorway with a look of fatherly disapproval.
Shack? Redly frowned at the pair of them, then cleared his throat. "Trevian, can I see you outside for a minute?"
"I'll be right back, my lady." Trevian offered Valia a smile that had broken a thousand Connlaothian hearts, then followed Red to the doorway.
"Trevian, why are you here?" Although he spoke quietly, no doubt, the lovely lady would be able to hear the conversation.
"This is Lady Valia Coleridge," he answered softly.
"The Lady Valia Coleridge?" Redly's voice dropped to match Trevian's. His expression darkened, and he took a step forward as his voice lowered further. "Trevian, why is she here?" It was remarkable, but, somehow, Redly was managing to loom over the taller man.
It took him a moment to understand, but, when he did, Trevian responded to the suspicion with a roll of his eyes. "I found her, Red. On the road. I'm just trying to help her."
"Did you have something to do with her disappearance?"
Trev blinked, then put out both hands before him with his palms outwards and a solemn expression. "No. Angsar's beard, no. Of course not. I just found her a few hours ago. We're lying low here until morning, then heading to the palace."
Some of the anger disappeared from the engineer's face. "Is she alright?" His green eye moved from Trevian to the girl on the bed. "What happened to her?"
Trev shook his head slightly, then clapped his brother on the shoulder. "I hope so. And I don't know for sure."
"What can I do to help?"
Trev's grin returned in full force as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I was hoping you'd ask me that... Lady Coleridge," he said, stepping back into the room and addressing the young woman. "I would like to introduce you to my eldest brother, Redly."
Immediately feeling like he'd just made a mistake (because Trevian's plans somehow always made him feel that way), Red followed his brother into the room. "I'm sorry, Lady Coleridge. Trevian has explained the situation to me. Please, feel free to make yourself at home during your stay."
Valia heard everything, and had not realized her breath had been held until the men stepped into the room. THe second she peered up at Red, she released her breath and clung onto the bed sheet that still kept her modest. Not that she was indecent, it just, felt quite awkward for her to be here, in a bed...
with two men looking at her...
and two men that knew... knew what had happened, or at least the gist of it.
But for the life of her, the only thing she could think to request was...
"To go home. All I want to do is go home. If you can help get me there, I'll pay you anything, anything you want."
"No payment is necessary," the eldest Treyburn answered with a fatherly smile that suggested kindness ran in the family.
"Indeed. With Red here, we can divide our forces, so to speak. Without knowing the strength of the forces of those who had you, I'd rather err on the side of caution, my lady. Your husband has been scouring the country for any trace of you. He rides armed, accompanied by several of his best men -- better protection than we could provide you on our own. I would like you to write him a letter, Lady Coleridge, telling him of our intent to travel to the palace by the East Road. Red will find him and deliver it to him, and, with any luck, he'll meet us en route."
That seemed a tall order... "How will I find him?" Red asked, quite sensibly.
"He visited Lord Michele two days ago. He's been working his way east along the Uthlyn Road. Unless he's changed his pace, he probably spent last night at one of the inns near the crossroads. By the time you reach him tomorrow, you should be able to come back to the East Road and come south to meet us." Trevian's explanation faltered, then, and he glanced to Valia.
"My lady, if you would like to travel on to the palace, we can send word ahead to them as well. It is, of course, closer than your home is... But if you should like to return straight to your estates, I would understand."
Valia wasn't certain how to respond. This had all happened very fast and had her head spinning. She, herself, wasn't entirely sure how they ought to go about it, but reminding her of the dangers made her cringe.
"Will we be safe when we travel?" She asked, shivering. One of the men, he...." And her sentence trailed off. "He was both man and beast." And her voice came out so quietly as she spoken, her tone as delicate as glass.
Man and beast? Redly looked even more deeply concerned, while Trevian covered up his concern with an easy smile. "Well, he obviously can't out-run a horse, or I think he would have done that to start with, don't you?" Logic! Sort of. "But if what you say is true, it's best we stay ahead of them. They may be able to track our scent, so we should keep moving, I think."
Red chimed in then. "You're of course welcome to stay, my lady, for as long as you like. But, if you leave in the morning, you will be reunited with your husband by midday. If you stay here, Lord Coleridge probably won't reach you until nightfall." That is, assuming he was where Trevian thought he was... "The other option, obviously, is we could take her to Brax's--"
"--But I don't want to put Brax out," Trevian interrupted, shooting his brother a warning look. Was he insane? Ma would have this whole thing turned around before either of them knew what was happening if they took her there... While, by all rights, it should be Brax returning her -- technically -- Trev could serve his family just as well (and probably better) by returning her himself.
Valia's belly was doing loops and she found herself growing clammy and.nervous as she shifted beneath the bed sheet.
"Yes... Leaving come morning should suffice I... We.. we shouldn't keep my husband waiting." Even though now she dredded this reunion more than anything, she still yearned to see him, but she felt ten times more defeated than she had ever.had.in her entire life. She had to wonder... Would he cast her out for this? After all, she had slept with other men.... Even if it was not really her choice.
"Red, can you go get some paper and ink? And something for her to write on?"
The eldest nodded and vanished back in the direction of the kitchen. Once he had gone, Trevian turned his attention to Valia was a sympathetic smile. "It's going to be alright, my lady. If there's anything you need, you have but to ask. I'll stay as long as you need me here."
Gently, softly, he added, "And don't worry about Red. It's tacky to disclose the details of a lady's personal life. Not to mention, rude." In short, Red didn't know the details -- and he never would, unless she told him herself.
Valia gave a nervous sigh and shake of her head.
"Y-yes, a letter." Though when the paper and pen were given to her, she frowned as she stared at the blank page.
"Some time... alone, if you will," she said, peering up towards the two men. "I want my note to my husband to see by his eyes and his eyes alone." Though truthfully, she had no idea what to say. What could be said? It was all so crazy, like some terrible, rotten dream.
"Just call when you're done, my lady. Red will start out tonight to reach him as soon as possible." Trevian's warm smile soon vanished into the kitchen, accompanied by his brother.
Once there, Red began to pick through the left-overs, and the pair fell into an easy, murmured conversation about where they could find one Lord Coleridge and approximately where Trevian should expect to meet him.
It took Valia an eternity before beginning to write the letter. She dreaded the permanence of the ink, the finality it's words rendered and the meaning behind each. It was said strokes spoke volume, and she, through trembling fingers, had a hard time scratching out the right words to say. They weren't even that well formed, but by the end of it she did not care. ANd as it stood, the letter read:
Dearest Gabe,
I can not begin to describe my elation for having been found by Lord Trevian Treyburn. He has promised to deliver me safely beneath his guardianship, and this letter, I hope finds you well. I shall be home safely to you soon. The days have not been kindly. I can not wait to be home. I wish for this whole mess to be forgotten. Life has been a nightmare.
Valia
Though she hesitated to write more, she fell short of writing love, or any other notes of something amorous, for she was too ashamed to. What right did she have now to those affections, after so many years of shaming him and denying her husband his rights from his own wife? She waited for the ink to dry on the paper before folding it thrice and rising from the bed.
The door creaked open, and there she stood, letter in hand.
"It is written," she spoke softly, half her body hidden in the shadows of the dark.
The men exchanged a glance, then, as one, rose. Trevian retrieved the letter, while Red threw on his cloak. Pistols were tucked back into his belt, hidden, hopefully, from the driving rain by the thick, waterproof material of his cloak, and then the letter joined them. "I'll find your husband, Lady Coleridge. You'll see him again soon."
Glancing at Trevian, he gave him a stern, fatherly look, "Be careful, Trev."
"I'm always careful."
Red snorted. "You're never careful. And come back to visit sometime when you aren't neck-deep in trouble."
The pair shared a quick, brotherly hug, and then Red left the pair alone once again.
"Sorry about that," Trevian apologized with a charming smile. "We'll have you home with your family soon."
"I.... might... might I inquire some time alone? I... if I'm to meet with my husband, I ought to get ready,"s he said, pink eyes peering up at him timidly.
"Red's gone on ahead, but we won't leave until morning. It's safer here right now, and, unless I'm mistaken, you could use a good night's sleep in a comfortable bed." Comfortable, here, was a relative term. "I'll leave you alone if you want, my lady, but don't trouble yourself with thoughts of leaving until morning."
Valia gave a slow nod, not saying a word. She feared her nerves would come out in her voice, and the idea of seeming so weak made her frown.
"Yes.. come morning. Thank you," she finally said softly, and waited for him to close the door.
(OOC: Fast-forwarding so poor Moonie doesn't have to keep waiting too long!)
Morning came swiftly, finding the little house and its residents still in one piece. Trevian was up early to put together some breakfast (and found himself cursing Red's bare cupboards once again) of eggs-in-a-basket and finely chopped potatoes for breakfast. There was no juice to be found, so they would have to settle for water once again.
A pretty little outfit was found and subsequently set out for Valia. Unlike her usual clothing, this was of a stout wool and, though feminine, made for warmth. He also borrowed a cloak from Illi's room for her to wear, should the rain decide to start once again.
He was also borrowing a pistol from Red -- just in case he should have need of a weapon with some range. He didn't like the sound of this man-beast-thing...and it worried him, somewhat, that such a being might be able to track their scent, even in the rain, and keep up with their over-burdened horse...
Valia awoke to the sounds of sizzling eggs cooking in the kitchen, and though when she rose she noticed a dress prepared for her, she found herself simply staring at the simple wool dress, her mind adrift to the happenings scheduled to transpire today.
She would be reunited with her husband, and no doubt he'd be eager to see her- whether that was a good or bad thing, she was uncertain, but fear laced her belly and tickled her veins coldly as she stood up from the bed and looked into the mirror at her disarray of golden curls. A hand lifted, touching one delicately that hung over her face as she examined a small bit of bruising on her cheek, and then to her throat. Peering down at the rest of her body, angered tears pricked her eyes and threatened to fall, but somehow they remained hanging there, unyielding to the gravity of the situation.
She then heard a distant rumble of thunder and shivered, recalling the time she had been raped out in the rain. And it had been done by an animal. Recalling the sensation, her toes curled, as did her stomach,a nd though her loins burned subtly, it was not an effect she was proud of out of her fears. There was a hunger in that animal, a domineering nature she adored, but it was the same thing she adored in her husband when they had made love so many years ago...
Before the very real fear of death set in- and what sex all meant to her and her future. Though it was selfish and vain, she never thought that she would ever fear sex in all of her known days! So it was unfortunate when, those men had taken her, ravaged her that, in some instances, she reveled in it.
But she needed it. All of it. She wanted to fall away into the nightmare and never be found. But yet...
Some grain of hope remain and she clung to it. And somehow she had come here. But what did this mean for her? For her future? For her marriage? For child? Surely Gabriel could not take a blind eye to this...
especially if she were to come out completely honest with him as her sister had suggested....
But what now? What was she to do now? And she was suddenly terrified of the very real idea to be reunited with her husband, and the moment she heard foot steps coming her way, she whirled around and the moment the door was flung open, she rushed past Trevian and threw open the front door, and ran off into the wilderness beside the place, tears finally falling and blinding her while she ran.
Trevian blinked as she shot past him. He was half-tempted to let her go, thinking she probably needed a moment -- but Angsar only knew who -- or what -- was stalking her out there...
"Lady Coleridge!" he called out as he took off after her. His boots squelched in the mood, spattering every which way and all over his outfit which was, even on days like today, normally pristine. "Lady Coleridge! Come back!"
Valia heard him calling her but she did not stop. She just kept on running, through the trees, through the foliage and across an open hillside. A gust tore across the land from the oncoming storm, more lightning threatening in the distance. But the land was already soggy and wet from the rains the night before, so each step she took left an inprint in the mud. And her legs and dress were quickly becoming thoroughly soaked. But she didn't care, and let herself feel as free as the winds that now swept through her hair, carrying them wildly like a golden flag against grey skies.
Trevian's legs were longer than her's, and he, in spite of his preferences, was accustomed (ish) to the life of a soldier. There was, however, a reluctance to grab her or force her, in any way, to stop; she had been through enough trauma without him simply adding to it.
"If you wanted to have a footrace," he called up playfully, "I would have obliged you in better weather!"
At his words, she found herself falter, and a sob break free of her lips. She stumbled to a halt, and threw herself against a tree, where she buried her face into her arms and sobbed all the way down until she was on her knees upon the ground.
Trevian came to a stop beside her, looking down at her somewhat helplessly. "I'm usually not this bad with women..."
He sank down beside her in a crouch and reached out a hand to touch her shoulder. "Hey, there. I'm sorry. I didn't mean...that." Well, he sort of had... "Are you alright?"
Valia continued to sob, practically choking on them.
"I can't go back!" she wailed. "He'll hate me! He'll never forgive me for being so foolish! I can't go back! Don't take me back there! I don't want to see him! I don't want to see my husband!"
Trevian's expression softened immediately. Even his internal complaints ceased as he settled down beside her and, without permission or apology, wrapped his arms tightly around the girl. "No, no, honey, he won't hate you. What happened to you... That wasn't your fault, and he can't blame you for that. I've heard nothing but kind words spoken of your husband..."
"That's the problem!" she sobbed. "He's too good to me! Too kind! Too... Too... perfect to have himself a wife so.. so.. tainted." Not to mention everything else.
"You don't think you deserve to be happy?" That was the most heart-breaking thing he'd ever heard! "Lady Coleridge -- Valia -- the very fact you feel like that proves that you do deserve someone like that."
"But you don't understand!" she sobbed, shaking uncontrollably through them. "I'm a terrible wife!"
"That's nonsense," he told her softly as he caught her chin in his hand to turn her face up towards his. "I say this as a friend, not as a declaration of war, my lady. Everyone has a spot of trouble now and again. But you love your husband -- that's clear. And if even a quarter of the rumors I've heard about the lengths he's gone to find you are true, then it's equally clear that he loves you back. And that's a beautiful thing -- a beautiful, messy thing. Perfect marriages are cold and terrible things, Valia. Take your sister's marriage, for example. If the Grand Duchess had vanished the way you did, do you think the Grand Duke would abandon his home to personally lead the search party for weeks at a time?" Softly, he added, "I doubt it. Not when there's matters of the State to attend to. I'm sure they care about each other in their own way -- but they're both so caught up in pretending that their marriage is perfect that it's anything but."
(OOC: Trev is totes assuming Valia is a better person than she is, apparently!)
Valia grew quiet and thought very carefully over all of that. And she felt relief in that. Gabriel's been looking for her? Her eyes welled up with tears. And guilt began to chill in her belly, remembering her sister's marriage... but at least she had Dekka. The man, miraculously escaping the noose..
and well...
She sighed and peered up at Trevian.
"You're right. I.. I'm being foolish," she murmured. "Let's... let's get me ready to go meet with Gabriel."
(OOC: Miraculously? <3 Kathryn worked hard to make that miracle happen!)
Trevian smiled pleasantly at her and rose, extending a hand down to her with a gentlemanly flourish.
"As you wish, my lady." Once she was back on her feet, he slipped his arm through her's, beginning to maneuver her back towards the house as though they were strolling through a garden rather than rain-soaked underbrush. "Just remember, I am at your service until you've dismissed me. If you wish me to accompany you all the way to Orchy, it would be my privilege."
After a moment, he added cheerfully, "I imagine you'll be glad to see your son again."
OOC: I know! :O And without magic
-------
Valia clung to his arm as he lead her onward.
"Y-yes, I can't wait to get home." And at the mention of her son, a pang of guilt washed over her, and a sudden desire to seem him became her. It was an odd sensation, she supposed it was a bit of a panicked feeling, only the realizing, worrying about him and finding it strange that only now she was. Befre it was all about her. Or her and her husband. But their son... whom she was not the best to interact with, was still hers and well...
Deep down she did love the child. Even though she was a very awkward mother at best.