Fantasy Gypsy Winds (PC and Tarmagon)

[PrincessCrystal]

In the days of King Arthur and the Knights of the round table, children were often times kidnapped and sold into slavery of different types. Some as house slaves, doing the daily cleaning such as, dishes, dusting, sweeping and so on. Others were used as laborers in the fields and a select few were taken and taught to be sex slaves or pleasure slaves.

One such person was Serenity. She was kidnapped from her family farm, at the age of five, while she played in the fields. She was trained to be a pleasure slave, brainwashed to think that it was the only thing she would ever be good at. After her eighteenth birthday, she was presented to the one she would call master, by his father, on his twenty first birthday. And that was the end of her life as she knew it.

Her new master, always left her chained in his room at home whenever he went somewhere. But had always been kind to her. That is, until one fateful day, the master's brother, jealous of his brother for getting the most beautiful slave ever, raped her while her master was gone.

When her master returned to find her bound to the bed, he became angry and packed her and his things into his wagon and left home. He moved from place to place just to keep her for himself and away from his brother....

Serenity sat in the back of the wagon, A collar around her neck chained to the back of the front bench seat. She was clothed in a beautiful Emerald green dress that matched her eyes and covered her from her collar to her toes. Her Autumn colored hair ran down her back in a beautiful braid that ended mid back and hid the abuse that she suffered everyday at the hands of her master. She was silently crying after having been slapped pretty hard, the hand print still on her cheek. They had been traveling for hours after her master's jealous brother had found them and had tried to take her from him. Years of the two fighting over her had begun to take its toll on her relationship with her master. He became angry with her more often than not and had become quite cruel to her. Sometimes even beating her for no reason.

After several more days passed he decided to set up the tents and take a small break from traveling. Serenity was brought into his tent and bound between two strong posts as always. She kept her eyes down, knowing he would beat her if she looked at him, her arms were stretched out as were her legs, bound so that he could either take advantage of her or hit her with the whips or canes. The collars chain was attached to the top of the post, preventing her from lowering her head without choking herself.

On this night, her master decided to be acceptionally cruel. He first, took advantage of her, which was his right as she was a sex slave. Then, He gagged her so that no passing strangers would hear her screams and pulled out the whip. Five lashes landed across her bare back leaving huge red wealts across her body. Her screams with each hit was muffled by the gag. But then he let loose and began whipping her furiously. Five, ten, fifteen, twenty... Serenity blacked out somewhere after twenty, her mind no longer registering the hits from the cane that he had switched to. Twenty-five, thirty... Now her back was bloody as the crisscross of the lash marks and cane marks ripped into one another, and she hung there, slowly being choked by the collar.

Her mind began to close down as the whip bit into her flesh, silent pleas for help going unheard as she fought to live, just a little longer, she knew help would come soon, or he would stop and leave her be.

Tarmagon
Setting: Westland just north of Hartland
Map: From Terry Goodkind; The Sword Of Truth series

 

[Tarmagon]

Rillianthar was pleased as he strode through the forest, despite the weight of the rae-buck slung over his shoulders. The hunt had been long, challenging, and in the end, fruitful. Now he made his way through the evening forest, listening to the forest grow more and more alive as the hour grew later. Normally he would have stopped and made camp, but he wasn't really all that far from his cabin, and the thought of venison sizzling on the hearth pan while he enjoyed... the forest was growing quiet. Immediately Rillianthar went from contented to alert, stopping to let the night fully fill his senses. For long moments he couldn't discern anything... there! A faint scent of wood smoke drifted on the night breeze, carrying from the direction of the road. Though travelers were few on this road, it still saw enough traffic to remain clear. Turning, Rillianthar began to walk towards the road. Most travelers were more than happy to share their fire and tales from the cities and surrounding areas in exchange for some fresh venison and information about the area.

A few minutes brisk walk found the forest thinning appreciably, though the smell of smoke hadn't really strengthened. It was entirely possible that the travelers had already retired for the night, and he was smelling just a small watch-fire. He could see the trees thinning further ahead, thanks to the nearly full moon, and Rillianthar paused, lowering the rae-buck from his back. While he hoped for friendly travelers, there was no guarantee that it wouldn't be a group of brigands, so best to take precautions. A stout cord from his pack sufficed to secure the carcass to a tree limb, high enough that only the most determined predator or scavenger would get it, then Rillianthar strung his bow in a fluid motion that decades of practice had made second nature. Slipping an arrow from his quiver he moved forward, his steps silent. The clearing was set back from the road, an overgrown path leading back to the main road itself, giving the camp a measure of privacy. A large wagon sat facing the path, a picket line of horses staked out beside it. A low fire smoldered in the center of four small tents, and set away from them, a much larger tent glowed from within. A pair of figures stood sentry, one to either side of the large tent, obviously guards, and obviously paying more attention to what was happening inside the tent rather than the forest by their cocked heads and malicious looks.

Rillianthar shook his head, certain that this was not a group of travelers who would be willing to share a meal and news when a new sound carried to his ears. The faintest of whistling sounds, followed by the sound of leather on skin and a strange, strangled mewling noise. Again the whistle, the slap of leather, the muted noise. One of the guards outside the large tent mimed a whipping motion to the other, then grinned wickedly. The other nodded, shrugging as he returned the grin. Rillianthar's blood ran cold as the pattern of sounds repeated yet again. Someone was being whipped inside the large tent, and from the guards reactions, it was a regular occurrence. This wasn't his business, wasn't his problem, but as yet another impact and muted... cry of pain? made it to his ears, Rillianthar's eyes narrowed to slits. This could very well be a group of brigands, using a captive as their plaything, as least until they used the captive up.

"Four tents plus the leaders," he thought, examining the camp and horses more closely. "One at least inside. Two outside, probably two sleeping. At least five to one odds, possibly more. This is not a fight..."

Another thwack and muffled cry stopped that train of thought. Moving as silently as if he were stalking a skittish buck, Rillianthar moved through the edge of the trees until he was near the picketed line of horses. They weren't hobbled, just secured to a line tied between two trees by their halters, and they weren't guarded. Apparently the two standing by the entrance to the large tent were the only guards on duty. That was a mistake he could capitalize on, and Rillianthar's smile was grim as he considered the horses. He didn't want them to pay for their masters sins, and he hoped they would be alright as he used the tip of the arrow he held to cut into the rope where it was tied about one of the trees. Bending down, he searched for a moment before finding several smallish stones. With a mental apology to the hapless horses and a prayer to Illishil for their safety, he flung the stones with all his might, striking several of the horses on their withers. The horses naturally took exception to the rather rude interruption of their rest, rearing and neighing in panic. As they lunged against the rope, the spot that Rillianthar had weakened snapped, allowing the horses to slip the halter reins free. The horses thundered towards the trail leading back to the road as Rillianthar faded back into the trees as the camp erupted into chaos.

The two guards at the large tent started towards the escaping horses, even as the flap of the tent was flung open from within, allowing a severe looking man, one hand holding what looked like a bloodied cane, to emerge and start bellowing orders. Two of the smaller tents disgorged another pair of sleepy looking men bearing short swords, which they quickly sheathed and began to run after the horses, despite being only half dressed. The severe looking man dropped the bloody cane, then reached into the tent to grab a bullseye lantern.

"Karrik," he shouted as he started towards the path himself, "Guard my tent and my property. I'm not done with her yet."

One of the guards turned from his mad dash after the horses and trotted back to resume his post beside the tent, obviously disgruntled, but equally obviously not going to disobey orders. Rillianthar noted this with one corner of his mind as his hands drew his bow, and he sighted carefully along the shaft. The first of the half dressed guards came into view, already breathing hard, and Rillianthar let him pass. The second appeared a moment later, and the arrow leapt from the bow, humming through the night air like an angry wasp. At the last instant, the guard seemed to sense something amiss, starting to turn, but it was far, far too late. The broad hunting head slashed across his throat in a fountain of blood which gleamed a silken black under the moonlight. Rillianthar wasn't watching the guard as he fell however, he was nocking another arrow and drawing as the lead guard froze in his tracks, turning to stare at his fellow guardsman as he gurgled out his final breath and fell. This time Rillianthar's arrow took his target in the chest, the wickedly sharp tip slipping easily between the ribs to find the man's heart.

The leader of the group turned the corner and skidded to a halt as his lantern's glow revealed the warm corpses that used to be his hired guards. His mouth worked several times, but no sound came out, then he started to turn, ready to flee back to the camp when a voice from the darkness froze him in his tracks.

"I do not know you. I do not wish to know you. What I wish to know is why you think you can torment another with impunity."

The man spun, the beam from his lantern bobbing wildly as he sought the source of the voice.

"Because she belongs to me, to do with as I will," the man spat angrily, still turning in place, the light from the lantern probing the edge of the trees. "I have owned her for years, and if I choose to beat her for the strife she has brought down on me. it is no one's business but my own! Serenity will never belong to anyone but me, even if I have to beat her to death to ensure it."

"Wrong," Rillianthar said, allowing the beam of the lantern to fall on him just as he released his arrow. The man's eyes widened as the light glinted off of the steel tip of the arrow in the fraction of a second he had to see it before it buried itself in his left eye. For a moment he stood, the shaft of the arrow quivering in his eye socket, then toppled forward, driving the arrow even deeper into his brain before the weight of his body snapped the shaft. Rillianthar grimaced, then shrugged to himself before moving to retrieve the arrows from the bodies of the fallen guards. The loss of the steel arrowhead was a small price to pay... His attention was called back towards the camp as he heard the remaining guard shouting out for his companions. Rillianthar couldn't make out the man's words, but the tone seemed, anxious. Good. He had reason to be.

Creeping back to the edge of the camp, Rillianthar saw the guard peering towards the direction the horses and his companions had disappeared. He was still peering into the darkness when Rillianthar's final shot put his wondering to an end. Moving into the camp, Rillianthar retrieved his arrow, then moved to the flap of the tent. Setting down his bow, he drew his long hunting knife, then cautiously opened the flap.

Rillianthar was seventy-eight years old, despite looking to be in his mid-twenties, and he had seen a lot of disturbing things in those long years. His knife fell from nerveless fingers at the sight that greeted him now. A young woman was bound, naked, between two poles. She sagged in her bonds, obviously unconscious, but her head was held up by a cruel iron collar, its chain secured high up on one of the poles. Her reddened face and labored breathing made it obvious that the collar was slowly strangling her. Nearby lay a bloodied whip, as well as other instruments of torment. Incongruously, a green gown of obviously high quality lay over a cot... Rillianthar's mind began to work again as the young woman struggled to take another labored breath. Beside the gown was a ring of keys. Hopefully one would fit the collar. Retrieving his knife, Rillianthar sliced through the bonds holding... and had that man said before he died? Serenity? yes, this must be the Serenity he spoke of... Serenity's legs spread. Scooping up the keys, he put an arm under one of her arms, trying to support her weight, and felt a tacky warmth on his hand where it touched her back. Rather than confirm what he knew had to be blood, Rillianthar searched the collar with his free hand, finding a rough keyhole. It took three tries before he found one that snapped the lock of the collar open, allowing Serenity's head to loll forward. Immediately she heaved in a gasping breath, panting like a man who had run for leagues. Only Rillianthar's hand under her arm kept her from sagging further against her bonds, and he reached up to cut them away, only to pause. Heavy leather surrounded her wrists, held shut by yet more locks. These yielded on the second key he tried, and Rillianthar lowered the unconscious young woman to the cot, sweeping the dress to the floor of the tent. He made certain to position her face down on the cot, the forced himself to survey her back.

Serenity's back was red with blood that welled up from fresh whip and cane marks, and the network of old scars that crisscrossed her pale skin made it obvious that this had happened before. Now that he could see it properly, her neck was chafed and scarred, as though she has worn that iron collar for years. Wrists and ankles also bore scars, though fainter, which spoke or frequent and prolonged binding. For a moment, Rillianthar's mind whirled, wondering what in the nether hells he had involved himself with, but then his mother's voice ripped through the chaos of his thoughts.

"Start the breathing. Stop the bleeding. Prevent the body from shutting down," her voice echoed through the corners of his mind, and his examination turned from horrified to clinical. The deepest of the welted cuts still oozed blood, but nothing was spurting and the smaller cuts had clotted over. The damages to her neck, wrists, and ankles would take time to address, and things he did not have here. He needed to get her to his cabin, where he had his healing herbs and supplies. A whicker from outside the tent drew Rillianthar's attention, and he moved to the tent flap to see that one of the horses has returned to the camp and was nosing at a bag on the back of the wagon. Rillianthar moved slowly towards the skittish animal, murmuring softly the entire time. The horse shifted nervously, but then moved forward eagerly as Rillianthar opened the sack and spilled a generous measure of grain onto the ground. As the animal munched away on the unexpected bounty, Rillianthar gathered up the halter reins and tied them to the back of the wagon. Once the horse was secured, he returned to the tent and examined his situation.

Serenity was breathing easier, but she writhed slowly on the cot despite remaining deeply unconscious. Rillianthar wracked his brain, trying to determine how to get Serenity to his cabin where he could treat her properly. While he though, he ransacked the tent, placing anything feminine appearing into an empty pillowcase. He also folded the green dress he had swept to the floor, placing it on top of the contents. A chest in one corner held extra linens, and he draped the lightest sheet he could find over the unconscious woman. The sheet immediately took on a reddish sheen as her blood soaked into it, but that could be washed out later. The horse whickered happily outside as it munched on its grain, and the sound galvanized Rillianthar into action.

Moving rapidly, he left the tent and retrieved his pack and the buck from where he had stashed them before approaching the camp. One of the smaller tents, after suitable application of his blade, yielded the materials necessary for him to make a travois. Rather than search for the horse's harness and tack, Rillianthar fashioned a simple belly band from the tent's support lines. The horse looked affronted as he attached the travois to the belly band, but it allowed him to lead it over to the large tent, then stood placidly as Rillianthar went inside, only to return with a large blanket. The blanket went onto the travois as padding, then moving carefully, he picked up Serenity's limp form and transferred her to the travois. The bag containing his pilfered items joined her on the travois, while the buck went onto the horses back. As he shouldered his pack, Rillianthar considered the limp body of his new companion. Because he had placed her on her stomach to protect her back, he was afraid she was going to slide off as they travelled. He was uncertain how she would react if she woke before the arrived at his cabin, but he had no choice. Gently moving her arms so that they hugged the narrow part of the travois, Rillianthar loosely bound her wrists together. A simple tug would free her, but her arms would prevent her sliding off as they travelled. Turning his back on that horror filled tent, Rillianthar began to lead the horse and its precious cargo towards his cabin.

It was over an hour later that the remote clearing that housed his cabin unfolded before Rillianthar. The going had been slow, for her had taken great pains to conceal the marks left by Serenity's conveyance. Despite a few whimpers of pain, she had remained mercifully unaware of her surroundings. The stoic horse had put up with the darkness and being led by a stranger, but he was obviously starting to flag. Rillianthar halted the horse just outside his door, tying the reins to the back of a bench. He went inside, lighting all his lanterns, and placing a couple of logs onto the coals of his banked fire. One he was sure they had caught, he went back outside, freeing Serenity's wrists, he lifted her still limp form and maneuvered her carefully through the door. He placed her on his bed, then started to remove the sheet. Rather than pull away cleanly, it stuck to her back in several places. Rather than continue to pull, Rillianthar grabbed a pot and filled it with water before setting is by the fire to heat. As the water heated, he moved to his alchemy bench, gathering herbs and salves. Once the water had warmed, Rillianthar dampened the sheet where it was sticking to Serenity's back, gently working it loose. He winced at the dried blood covering the once white sheet, then winced again as he began to clean the blood from her back, revealing what had to be years worth of scars. Slowly he removed the dried blood, taking extra care around the fresh welts and cuts, some of which still wept pink fluid.

Once her had managed to remove the blood from her back, Rillianthar turned his attention to his reagents. For several minutes he ground, mixed, and combined various herbs, roots and minerals. When he was satisfied, he began to gently apply the salve to Serenity's wounds. Hopefully his craft could bring her some relief.

PrincessCrystal (Finally... I hope it is worth the wait.)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Even in her unconscious state, Serenity begged for help if only in her mind. She couldn't breathe, then she could. The young lady pulled in air as the weight was removed from her neck. Her arms felt light as the weight from her wrists fell away. She whimpered in pain as something was laid across her back, the muscles jumping, moving involuntarily from pain as it swept across her back. She could breathe again. Had her master decided to stop his beating of her. She felt no more things hitting her as she slowly slipped into the darkness. She could feel herself being moved carefully from the cot to somewhere in the cold air.

Serenity shivered as she was laid on something, her hands tied. Was Master moving her somewhere thinking he had killed her. *Please Master... Please I still breathe.* Horrible thoughts ran through her head as she felt the cool night air, only a light cloth covering her and her wounds. She whimpered as whatever she lay on hit bumps in the ground. *Master? Where are you taking me?* Her mind pleaded for an answer. Then she drifted into the world of sleep, her body jerking from the pain every so often causing her to whimper from the pain.

Sometime later Serenity slowly came to as she felt herself being laid upon a soft bed. It was something that she had not felt in a long time. "MmmmMaster?" She mumbled out. Her eyes slowly opened to find that she lay on her stomach, her face toward the wall, her arms to her sides. Someone was putting something on her wounds and they jerked with pain causing her to whimper again. "I am sorry Master...." She whispered as she closed her eyes again, this time falling into a fitful sleep. A sleep full of nightmares of her masters beatings, and her slow, yet painful, death.

 

[Tarmagon]

"MmmmMaster? I am sorry Master...."

Rillianthar could barely make out the whispered words over the crackle of the fire, and he paused for a moment, looking down at the young woman he was tending. Those five words seemed to have stolen what little strength she had, for her eyes were closed and her body had gone limp once more. Shaking his head, he returned to his work, bathing the wounds with his healing salve. Once all the cuts were coated, he returned to his reagents, selecting a rather different mixture of herbs. Once mixed to his satisfaction, he applied the mixture around the edges of the healing salve. The second mixture would numb the skin around the wounds for a few hours, hopefully easing her sleep. When he finished, he considered the limp body stretched on his bed. After a moment, he slowly, gently repositioned her arms under the pillow that supported her head. At least in that position she would not awaken with a stiff neck to add to the inevitable ache in her back. Draping a clean sheet over his guest, Rillianthar turned his attention to other matters.

Moving outside, he removed the buck and bag from the patient horse, then led that worthy creature behind his cabin to the small stable that shared a stone wall with his tiny forge. He currently did not have a horse, but he kept the stable clean, and there was hay in the loft that he used to feed his goats, and grain for the chickens in lean months. He settled the horse into the stall with hay and grain, as well as fresh water, then checked on his goats and chickens. The goats were drowsing in their enclosure, and the chickens were all in their roost, so he quietly collected the days eggs and returned to his cabin, closing the roost, goat pen, and stable doors securely behind him. Once he had placed the eggs into their storage box, he turned his attention to the buck, slicing off enough for several meals before taking the remainder out to his smoke house to hang from the rafters. Tomorrow he would kindle a slow fire to dry and smoke the meat for winter.

Once he was back inside, it only took a few minutes for Rillianthar to have sliced venison, onions, potatoes, and peppers sizzling away over the fire. Between pauses to stir his much delayed dinner, he turned his attention to the bag he had collected from the tent where he had found Serenity. The dress he unfolded, then laid across the footboard of his bed. Before he could delve further into the bag, his dinner popped and hissed, garnering his full attention. Once that had been dealt with, he paused, then set the bag aside. His guest would be hungry when she awoke, so he set to making a hearty stew that he could leave on the hook at the back of the fireplace to keep warm. No matter when she awakened, it would be ready.

PrincessCrystal (He's actually quite the domestic.)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Hours pass as Serenity slept, her body feeling numb. When she finally woke, sunlight was streaming through the window. It seemed to be mid day. Serenity sat up and looked around. "Master? Where are you? Where am I?" She was confused as her green eyes looked around her. She cringed as pain swept through her back. She looked around, seeing that she was alone.

Serenity sat her feet on the floor as she moved from the bed, flinching as they met the cold of the floor. She moved unsteady across the floor toward the door. "Master?" Her hand rested on the knob and opened the door. She didn't even realize that she was naked as she moved out into the heat of the day. "Master? Where are you?" She asked again as she moved toward the path. She stumbled, barefoot, across stones on the ground.

When the girl reached the tree line, she lost her balance and fell to her hands and knees. "Please Master. Why have I been left alone?" She asked out loud as she pulled herself to a standing position again. Serenity rested a hand on the tree next to her. "Master.... Where are you?" She called out as she looked around her.

 

[Tarmagon]

His patient, guest, whatever this young woman turned out to be, did not wake, and eventually Rillianthar banked the fire, wrapped himself in a blanket, and went to sleep in his favorite chair. He had slept in it before, so it was no real hardship. He awoke early, despite the stresses of the prior evening, since life alone was a rather un-ending series of things that needed to be done. He eased the sheet away from her back, frowning as he saw the fresh welts were still red and angry, though they no longer wept. He considered another application of the numbing salve, then shook his head. When she did awaken, he would need to inquire about the level of her discomfort to properly gauge her treatment. He replaced the sheet, then removed a fresh tunic from the clothes press and headed into his wash room. Not for the first time he thanked the Goddess that circumstances and the location of his cabin made the indoor wash room possible. Morning ablutions finished, he ladled a small bowl of the stew from the pot hanging at the back of the fireplace, still nicely warm from the bed of low coals. Taking his breakfast outside so as not disturb his guest, Rillianthar considered his options as he ate. Unfortunately, nothing came to him immediately, so he set his hand to the tasks of the day.

The horse he had liberated along with Serenity whickered happily as he curried its coat before turning it out into his small corral with a manger of hay and a measure of grain. The chickens were already protesting the closed door of their roost, and moved past him in a steady stream, already searching the ground for their morning meal. His small herd of goats were more sedate as he opened their large enclosure, and Bella trotted straight to the milking stall while the rest crowded around their own manger of hay. Once he had unburdened her udder, Bella joined the rest in munching happily away. Her milk went into a bottle, carefully sealed, then Rillianthar moved to the well, pulling the cold box up from the depths.

"Going to have to make cheese soon," he said aloud as the amount of stored milk surprised him. "Not a lot of room left in there."

Turning his attention to the smoke house, he retrieved the venison he had hung the night before, and set to cutting it down into pieces that could readily be smoked and preserved for the coming winter. That task occupied a large portion of his morning, and he was well and truly pleased when he hung the last rack and turned his attention to the fire.

"Ter?"

Rillianthar frowned. He thought he had heard something over the crackle of the fire. Placing his handful of wood chips into the metal pan, he stood and made his way out of the smokehouse.

"Please Master. Why have I been left alone? Master.... Where are you?"

The young woman, Serenity, stood leaning on a tree at the edge of the clearing. She was looking around with frightened eyes, and was as naked as when Rillianthar had found her.

"You should not be out of bed yet," he called, moving slowly towards the young woman. "Your back is far from healed. And while I am happy to treat your hurts, wandering about shoeless and shirtless would cause you unnecessary pain and me unnecessary work. I have brought your dress from the place that I found you. Will you return inside and don it? I also have food and drink should you hunger or thirst. Oh, and my name is Rillianthar, though most call me simply Rill. I bid you welcome in my home."



PrincessCrystal (Lose the cloak, bow, and armor. He is wearing brown pants and a white linen tunic)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity jumped at the sound of a voice behind her. She turned around and found a stranger standing before her. "Where is my master?" She asked the man. Then she heard his words. It sounded kind, and soft, Gentle even. He had dressed her wounds? "Does... Does this mean I have no Master?" She looked frightened and shivered as she moved toward the stranger.

Serenity stumbled and fell to her hands and knees again. There she began to cry. As the tears fell, she forced herself to stand again and move toward the stranger. As she neared him, she again stumbled and fell into him. There she stayed. She did not try to pull away, She did not fight his arms going around her. She felt lost, her autumn hair, tangled from the night before. She had several bruises over her body. Some a day old, some several days old, and some just getting ready to go away.

"I am sorry sir. I...I... I do not mean to be a burden to you." Serenity replied as she let him lead her back into his home. She cringed as pain shot through her back. She shivered with the pain. "Forgive me please." She said softly.

 

[Tarmagon]

"Where is my master? Does... Does this mean I have no Master?"

Rillianthar held himself motionless as the young woman staggered towards him, even when she fell to her knees and began to cry. She was too shaken, too skittish. He must care for her as though an injured animal. In fact, that was probably the closest thing to her situation he realized, even as she staggered upright moving closer before she staggered again. This time she was close enough for him to gather her body to his before she fell. Rather than protest and pull away, she pressed against him, and his arms went around her in reflex, sheltering her within their circle. Now that the light was better, Rillianthar could see bruises mottling her pale skin, all in various stages of healing. Some were just blooming into purples and greys shot through with green, while others were paler, obviously older, and some were mere shadows of colors. She had been beaten. Often.

"I am sorry sir. I...I... I do not mean to be a burden to you. Forgive me please."

She spoke softly, despite the obvious pain her back was still causing her as Rillianthar opened the circle of his arms and began to lead her back into the cabin, taking care to move slowly, gently.

"There is nothing to apologize for little one," he said, his voice pitched low and comforting. "When I found you, you were in a bad way through no fault of your own. The Goddess bids us to care for those in need, and I follow Her path. I must ask, since the one I believe you refer to as Master has left this world for his judgement in the next, why do you believe you need one?"

PrincessCrystal (Conversational posts will obviously be shorter. I may have questions for you in the OOC depending on your post)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity shivered as he directed her back to his home. "Gone from this world?" She questioned when he told her. "Why? Well because I have always had a master. Since I was quite young, I was trained in the way of pleasing a master and never taught anything else. I have always been told what to do and never taught how to think for myself." She explained. "I suppose, should I have been taught how to care for myself, I would not need a master. But... " Serenity was clearly confused.

"Does this mean that I am free? Or have you taken over as my master?" Serenity asked as they entered the house. She again cringed from the pain in her back, but tried to ignore it.

 

[Tarmagon]

Rillianthar was flooded by questions and answers as he directed the young woman back inside his cabin. He also noted the twitches and cringes she couldn't hide as her back pained her. Rather than answer immediately, he pulled a stool in front of the fireplace and gently pushed down on her shoulders until Serenity sat.

"Here," he said, handing her a throw from his chair. "You may use this to cover yourself and protect you from spills while I examine your back. If it would please you, I would also know the name of my patient."

With that, he ladled a small bowl of the stew from the pot and placed in Serenity's hand. He also filled a cup with cool water and set it beside the stool in easy reach.

"Please dine while I examine your back," he said. "I did so last night, but I was working by lantern only, and no lantern, no matter how well made, is equal to sunlight."

Without giving the young woman a chance to protest, he moved behind her and commenced a more thorough examination of her injuries. The new ones from the night before were numerous indeed, but her back was a webwork of scarring. With so many, it was a wonder that she could move at all. Being bound as she had been must have been pure agony in and of itself with so much scar tissue pulling tight as her skin stretched. Finally, he believed he had enough information, and Rillianthar moved to his reagents for the third time in under a full day. At least this time, he did not have to mix. His selections in hand, he moved to squat before Serenity.

"It is your body," he said. "And you will be the one who has to endure, so I leave the choice in your hands. I tell you truly that I have it within my power to heal you of your hurts, but the method and amount of time shall be in your hands. This salve will numb the entirety of your back, but it will slow the healing process. It will be days, if not a week, before you can exert yourself in any serious fashion. This tincture will do nothing for the pain you feel, but it will speed the healing process greatly. The cost for such rapid healing is a days weakness, where you will scarce be able to walk. Should you choose the tincture, I can alleviate the pain slightly with willow tea, but it will not be as effective at numbing the pain as the salve. And as much as I wish it were possible, I cannot use both at once. The ingredients of the two mixtures do not mix well at all."

Rillianthar almost stopped speaking, but he could not. Serenity might bolt from his cabin at his next words, but he would not conceal his actions from this young woman.

"As for your Master who was... it was my hand that took his life. He was in the process of beating you to death when I came upon your camp. I took exception to his treatment of you, and he did not survive my ire. I did give him a chance to speak before I ended him, but all he said was that you were his to do with as he willed, and that he would beat you to death before any other could have you."

Rillianthar shook his head, his eyes locked upon the woman seated before him.

"What I have done, and what was done to you cannot be undone... but if you truly need a protector and mentor, then I pledge I shall stand surety for your safety while you are here. I have no need of a pleasure slave, but the word master has other meanings. If you choose to stay, I shall be your master in teaching the skills you need to survive and thrive without a master. If you fear me too much, or hate me for my actions, this too I can understand, and I shall see you safely to the nearest settlement once you are healed enough to make the journey. No matter your choice, I swear upon the Bright Lady that your honor is safe with me."

PrincessCrystal (Here's hoping she doesn't run for the hills)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

"My name. I am known as Serenity. It is the name my teachers gave me when I was very young. Though my master has never used that name, he has always called me things like bitch, whore, and slut." She explained as he guided her to a stool by the fire.

Serenity sat on the stool when he pressed on her shoulders to do so. Just his touch was turning her on and she struggled to listen to his words. She took the bowl that he handed her and ate hungrily. She'd had nothing but water for at least two days. As he examined her back, between her shoulder blades, was a tattoo, or what looked like the remains of one. It was a double crescent moon in a circle with a star in the center.

After he explained what he could do to heal her back, Serenity looked at him silently for a moment. "I'd like to not have pain please. Not that I can't handle it, but... I don't like hurting all the time." She said softly.

"As for my master.... He became quite cruel over the last couple of years. I have spent many nights, praying for him to stop the beating. But he never did until I was passed out cold and made no more sound. I... I do not think that he loved me any more. For this... I will forgive you for slaying my master."

"Protector and mentor?" Serenity asked. "What do these words mean?" She was serious. She had never heard the words before, and was curious as to what they meant. "And where would I go? I have no one in this world and should I be on my own, I would surely die. You have been so kind and caring. I will stay with you."

 

[Tarmagon]

Rillianthar was a bit taken aback by Serenity's question, but he schooled his features to neutrality as he considered his answer.

"A protector is one who keeps another from harm," he said after a moment. "And a mentor is one who teaches, a different type of master than you are used to."

While Serenity finished her meal, Rillianthar turned his attention to something for her to wear. He didn't want to ruin her nice gown by exposing it to the numbing salve. Opening one of his clothes presses, he considered the contents. He removed one of the over large tunics he used for sleep during the winter and considered it critically. He could make it suitable. A few minutes work with his shears sufficed to remove a goodly potion of the tunic's back. The front remained intact, and if belted, if would drape half way down to Serenity's knees.

"I know this is not in a flattering color," he said as he presented her with the modified tunic, "But it will allow access to your back for healing, and you do not have to worry about ruining your good dress with my medicines. Tomorrow, or perhaps later today, it would be good for you to wash completely. For now, it would be good of you to lay face down upon the bed. This salve will feel strange at first, but then you will find sensation facing."

Rillianthar held out the pot of salve for Serenity to see while he retrieved an odd looking glove from a hook on the wall.

"Note the two yellow stripes upon this jar? The contents must be handled with a little care. This glove has been dipped in namanar sap, and must always be worn to apply the salve. It will numb any body part it touches, and one would find it difficult to work with hands that cannot feel."

PrincessCrystal (If she will don the tunic and lay on the bed, he will carefully apply the salve for her. It will feel cool, then tingle, the go numb like Novocain.)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity looked confused at first as he told her what the words meant, then it looked as if she understood the meaning. She nodded and quickly finished eating. When he handed her the tunic, she nodded and put it on, tying the belt around her waist. Even in something like that, Serenity was still beautiful beyond measure. She brushed her hair with her fingers then quickly braided it and pulled it to the side. "Does it look ok?" She asked as she turned around showing him her bare back then covered front.

Serenity smiled, even in pain, she seemed happier than when he had found her looking for her master an hour or so earlier. She lay down on the bed, her face toward the wall, her hands sliding beneath her head, her back upwards for him to begin working on. "I am ready Rill." The young lady said quietly. She closed her eyes and waited for the pain she knew was about to come. "Rill? Tell me about yourself. Please?" She asked.

 

[Tarmagon]

"This will feel a little strange," Rillianthar said, drawing the protective glove on and starting to slowly apply the salve, giving the numbing effect time to settle before moving on. "And about myself eh? My full name is Rillianthar T'Sharin, son of Alissa and Kinnarian. My mother was a human, and my father was an elf. I have seen seventy eight seasons. Neither of my parents yet live, but they earned their place in the stars by giving their lives in the rescue of a group of youngsters from the Girian river. I was twenty at the time, and every day since I have tried to honor their memory and live up to the example they set for me."

Rill paused to collect another small measure of the salve and begin to work it into Serenity's back. He kept his motions slow and gentle, making certain to cover every part of her back. The smell of camphor and mint began to suffuse the air as the salve warmed on her back, bringing back memories of learning at his mother's knee.

"My mother taught me as much as she could about the ways of the Goddess, and the manufacture of healing and strengthening teas, salves, and tinctures. My father taught me the ways of the forest and the bow, taking me on my first hunt when I could scarcely walk, much less pull a bow. Rather than try to maintain the full farm when they passed, I made it available to a young couple starting their own family. I spent the next ten years studying under the herbalist master, learning those things which my mother could not have taught me. It was during this time that I discovered my love of the printed word. Once my master told me she had nothing more to teach me, I let it be known that I would be coming to this part of the wood to set up my own home. It has taken me years, but I have learned from my mistakes, and those are now fewer than they were."

While has had been speaking, Rill had finished applying the salve to Serenity's ravaged back, now he sat back, surveying his work. The covering appeared complete, and he carefully wiped the excess salve back into the small pot before capping it and setting it by the bed.

"I am finished," he said, standing and putting the glove carefully back onto its hook. "I can apply that no more than once in the morning and once in the evening. Before I apply it again, it would be good if you would bathe so it does not build up. Move carefully while your back is numb, and do not attempt to lift anything larger than a medium pot until I let you know it is safe. You may move freely about the cabin and the clearing, but please do not enter the barn area without a garment that covers your full back. The salve will collect hay, dust, and dirt, which would slow the healing more than the salve alone. I managed to collect a small bag of things I thought might be yours from the camp where I found you. It's by the bed. IF there is anything you wish me to try and retrieve from your former master's camp, please tell me now so that I may get it and return in time to care for the animals this evening."

PrincessCrystal

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity listened with interest as he told her about himself. She flinched occasionally as he worked but did not utter a sound as the salve began to work. "May I ask... Please... What is a mother and a father? I don't remember my own for I was too young. They tell me that I was five when I came to them."

Serenity moved to sit up when he said that he was finished and pulled the bag of things that he had retrieved on to the bed. She pulled out the items one by one and sat them beside her on the bed. "Panties, hair things, brush, comb, hand mirror..." She looked up. "Thank you sir. Please, if it is not too much trouble... There was a trunk in the master's tent that held some books. It's not very big..." She looked down at the things in front of her and slowly put them back in the bag. "They were given to me... And mean a lot..." She fell silent as she held the mirror in her hand, a few tears falling, unbidden, down her face. The tears splashed onto the mirror, her hand getting a bit wet as well.

 

[Tarmagon]

"Umm," Rillianthar said, a little perplexed by the question. "My mother is the one who gave birth to me, and my father is the man who sired me. Surely in your training you were told about pregnancy, as well as how to avoid it. If precautions are not taken, congress between a man and a woman generally results in a child."

Before he could say anything else, Serenity was inventorying the contents of the bag. She seemed pleased by his choices, but then mentioned the chest of books. Rillianthar hadn't noticed it, but it should be no great issue to retrieve it. Then Serenity's voice began to waver about the edges, and tears began to spill from her eyes. Without thinking, Rillianthar sat beside her, putting his arm about her while he wiped away her tears with his free hand.

"It's okay Sere," he said quietly. "You are safe here, and I shall do my best to retrieve those things that are precious to you. I feel you have little enough in this life that you may claim as your own, and I would not see you deprived of a thing that gives you pleasure. If you will be alright, I shall see to that little task immediately. I do not promise that the horse can carry the chest, but I shall make certain to see its contents to your hand. The only books I have here are histories, and treatises on the various herbs and medicines I make. Will you be okay while I'm gone?"

Rillianthar wasn't certain thar Serenity would take well to being alone, but she couldn't really accompany him on this expedition either.

PrincessCrystal (Sorry for the delay, it's been a day.)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity almost jumped when he wrapped his arm around her. It had been such a long time since she had felt any sort of love, that she had forgotten how it felt. "Thank... Thank you for saving me." Serenity said, almost in a whisper. She lowered her eyes as he wiped the tears from her face.

"Please... If it is too much trouble... I don't..." Serenity looked up when he said he would get her books for her and that he didn't want her to be deprived of anything that brought her pleasure. "I will be ok alone." Serenity said softly. "I am still... I will probably sleep while you are gone, if that is ok with you." She asked.

"Where... Where shall I go to bathe? You said that I must do that to help with the healing. I can do that if you do not return before dark. Then I will be ready for you to put more of that medicine on my back." Serenity gave him a half smile as she spoke.

 

[Tarmagon]

"I shall show you the bathing chamber," Rillianthar said, rising and moving towards the small door at the back of the cabin. "But you should not bath yet. The salve is freshly applied, and as such, should not be washed away for several hours. Tonight, just before we retire for the evening, is when you should bath. If you wish to wash your face and hands, or need to use the necessary, I should show you the bathing room."

Opening the door set into the back wall of the cabin, Rillianthar led Serenity into the bathing chamber. Light streamed in from several small windows set high up in the wall and ceiling. The panes were thick, but allowed light to stream in. There was a curtained alcove off to the left, a strange, almost square area straight ahead with a metal contraption hanging down from the ceiling and a short chain, and a series of holes in the floor. To the right, a basin sat, along with a rack that held several towels and a silver mirror hanging over it. A hook for a lantern depended from a long chain in the center of the room, and near the oddly shaped alcove, there was a large shelf set high on the wall. It held what looked like several squat items that looked like oversized candles. Above those was a metallic plate, the surface blackened from heat.

"This is where I bathe," Rillianthar said, "And now you as well. I am afraid that I do not have a tub, but I do have a shower."

He moved to the small alcove, and making certain to stand as far back as he could, tugged briefly on the chain. When he pulled the chain, the metal disk hanging from what was obviously a pipe coming through the ceiling, began to emit a shower of water. Then he let go, the water flow continued for a moment, then slowed to a trickle and stopped. Rather than spill out, a raised lip held the water inside the alcove, and it drained rapidly down through the holes in the floor.

"There is a large tank on the roof of the bathing room," Rillianthar said at Serenity's puzzled look. "During warm weather, the sun heats the water over the course of the day. Pulling the chain allows the water to flow to the tank to the head there. The result is like standing under a warm summer rain shower. The tank is large enough to provide around ten minutes of water if the chain were to remain pulled, but there is a mechanism that closes the valve when the chain is released, so as not to waste all of the warm water. During the winter, I use a smaller tank, set there, and heated with several candles. It does not hold as much water, but it provides enough time to remain clean all winter long."

Pulling aside the curtain, Rillianthar revealed a strange looking chair. It seemed quite comfortable, but just like a chamber chair, the center was cut out. Rather than a chamber pot however, there appeared to be a pipe or large tube, running from the seat of chair down into the floor.

"This is a wonder created by one of my dwarven friends," he said. "Rather than deal with an out house or a chamber pot, the pipe under the chair is sunk deep into the earth. So deep in fact, that it ends at an underground river. Waste is quite literally washed away, and all I must keep clean is the top of the pipe. The basin may be filled from the shower, though when I shave I prefer hotter water, so I generally bring in a pot from the stove to fill the basin. Dirty water goes down the necessary pipe, no need to carry it through the cabin to throw outside. The seat hinges up so there is no need to worry about wetting it."

"You can put your grooming items there," he said, pointing to a shelf that already contained a razor, set of brushes, and a tooth stick. "I have little enough to store there. Soap for bathing is here, in this small cabinet under the shelf."

He gave Serenity a time to poke around in the bathing chamber, then cleared his throat.

"If I am to retrieve your books, I must depart." he said. "I must depart now. Even with the aid of the horse, I will be gone for between two and three hours. I should be back in time to take care of the evening chores. Once you are healed, I will expect you to pitch in around the farm. Do not worry that you do not know how to do something, I shall be happy to teach you. I do recommend you rest while I am away. Sleep if you can, the bed is yours. If you cannot sleep, consider what things you know how to do. This evening, I shall wish to know what skills you possess, and what we shall have to endeavor to teach you."

With that, Rillianthar moved into the main room, donning his leather jerkin over his linen tunic. He buckled on his arm guard, then reached up to remove his bow from its pegs on the wall. He strung it in one smooth motion, then checked that his long knife was secure in its sheath on his belt. Smiling at Serenity, he strode out the door and moved around the cabin. He and the horse needed to get better acquainted.

PrincessCrystal (One last chance for questions if she comes out to the edge of the cabin, otherwise he will depart to retrieve her books.)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity followed him but remained silent as he showed her how the shower and potty chair worked. She nodded each time he looked at her as he explained them to her. When he told her where she could put her brush and mirror, Serenity went back to the main room and pulled them from the bag then returned and placed them on the empty spot on the shelf.

"If it is too much trouble, then please do not bother." Serenity replied as they both moved back to the main room. "Though I am happy that you have taken me in." She started to feel a bit dizzy and sat down on the bed as he prepared to leave.

As he grabbed his bow and strung it, Serenity looked on in interest. "Can you teach me to shoot?" She asked then quickly looked down as if she had asked something that she should not have asked. She stood and followed him him out of the cabin but stopped as he rounded the corner. "Good luck." She called out to Rill before returning inside.

Serenity moved to the bed and sat on the edge for several minutes. She looked at her hands then closed her eyes and said a small prayer for her new master. He had been so kind to her. Fed her, clothed her, and cared for her. Finally she lay down on her side and faced the wall, willing herself to go to sleep so that her body could heal faster.

 

[Tarmagon]

Rillianthar was pleased that Serenity was starting to take an interest in things already, though if he were to accomplish his task, he did not have time to express it to her. He made a mental note to see if there was anything suitable for her in the camp when he retrieved her books. The horse looked up from its pile of hay as he approached, cocking its head to one side.

"We need to get to know each other," Rillianthar said quietly, approaching the animal slowly. "I need your help."

The horse flicked one ear back, but allowed Rillianthar to approach and pat its neck, arching its neck around to look at him expectantly. Rillianthar pressed gently in the direction of the barn, and the horse walked placidly towards the enclosure. It accepted blanket and saddle, not even puffing its chest out to make the belly band slip and loosen. Rillianthar did not use a bit and bridle, just clipping reigns to the sides of the halter. The horse looked at him quizzically, but stood and allowed him to mount. At a murmured word and gentle tap of Rillianthar's heel, the horse moved forward at a slow walk, responding easily to pressure from his knees and the touch of a reign on its neck.

"Thank you my friend," Rillianthar said, leaning down to pat the horse's neck. "Now let us return to where I found you and gather what we may."

The horse remained cooperative the entire way back to the camp, shortening the trip by well over half what it had been the night before. As they approached the camp, Rillianthar slowed the horse, then stopped it entirely a hundred paces from the edge of the woods. Dismounting, he attached the halter rope loosely to a tree branch, then pulled an apple from his pack.

"Wait here," he told the animal as it accepted the treat as if were nothing more than what it deserved. "And thank you for helping me."

Rillianthar supposed most people would think him strange for talking to a horse, or to his livestock, but experience had taught him that a kind tone and gentle hand gained far, far more acceptance than harsh words and rough treatment. Moving cautiously, he made his way back to the edge of the camp, senses alive and searching for any sign that the camp had gained new residents. From what he could see and hear, and smell, Goddess the smell, the only residents currently occupying the camp were the clouds of flies swarming the bodies. During the night carrion feeders had found the bodies, and the stench of riven bowels filled the air. Covering his nose and mouth with a cloth, Rillianthar moved into the camp to begin his search.

The small chest of books had been easy to locate, and proved to be easy to carry. An examination of the cot where he had located Serenity's belongings proved that it was an ingenious design that folded in on itself into a compact bundle of sticks and canvas. Rillianthar guessed that if he lashed the chest to the compact bundle, the horse could easily carry it if he walked it back to his cabin. Sacks of grain from the wagon, some cured leather, ready to be worked, a couple of perfectly serviceable daggers, and extra blankets and linens all found their way to where the horse waited patiently. On his last trip through the camp, Rillianthar pilfered every scrap of coin he could find, going so far as to check the torn bodies. Let anyone who found this place think brigands had struck these men down. As he was checking the last tent, he spotted a small horse bow and quiver of arrows entangled in the tack and saddle he had no use for. Collecting them, he made his way away from the blighted camp for the final time.

The horse, and really he should name the fine creature, had endured his arrangement of his prizes into a balanced load, and suffered itself to be led through the woods again, though this time it seemed in better spirits now that it knew the way and could see properly. It wasn't as happy with Rillianthar's frequent pauses to obliterate their backtrail, but it limited itself to annoyed flicks of its tail. The sun was low in the sky as the pair emerged back into the clearing where the cabin awaited them, and Rillianthar wasted no time unburdening the horse before leading it back to the barn. Fresh water and hay, as well as a measure of the salvaged grain contented the horse for now, and Rillianthar moved to the front of the cabin. He hadn't been overly quiet as he unloaded the horse, and he wondered if Serenity was awake or asleep as he began to break down the bundles of goods.

PrincessCrystal (They have things.)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity finally fell asleep sometime after he left. She was exhausted and not feeling well. She could feel a fever rising as she fell into a fitful sleep. In her dreams, her master was still alive. He continued to beat her till she was a bloody mess then left her to die as he continued on with his nightly routine. She moved to her stomach and began to shiver even with the warmth of the small cabin. Beads of sweat began to form on her forehead, and her face was a soft shade of red as the fever slowly began to rise.

About two hours after he left. Serenity woke, delirious, her fever dangerously high. She got up from the bed and staggered out the cabin door in search of Rill. But she got no farther than the edge of the clearing before she fell, landing on a soft patch of grass near the edge of a small creek the was near the cabin. And there she remained, even after Rill had returned, her eyes closed, her breathing ragged.

 

[Tarmagon]

Rillianthar worked to break down the bundles of goods he had retrieved, getting them ready to transfer into the cabin, but something was nagging at him, a feeling that something wasn't quite as it should be. As he paused, looking around for the source of his disquiet, a gentle breeze ruffled his hair, causing the cabin door to swing slightly... that wasn't right. He was certain what Serenity had shut the door tightly as he was leaving.

"Serenity?" he called, rising and pushing the door open fully. Only silence greeted him, though from the state of the bed, she had lain there, though it appeared her rest had been uneasy. Moving closer, he saw that the sheets were dark, damp with sweat. Her belongings were still where she had left them, so she hadn't... Rillianthar stopped himself with a shake. Moving back to the front of the cabin, he began to search methodically. The immediate area was of no help, he and the horse had trodden any sign of Serenity's passing away, but as he circled wider and wider, he spotted a series of uneven tracks leading towards the left of the cabin. Why would she have needed?

A crumpled form, clad in a familiar tunic lay near the edge of the creek that ran near the back of his clearing. The cabin itself and its attendant buildings had blocked his view of the creek as he returned home and stabled the horse, preventing him from seeing Serenity's limp body. He rushed forward, turning her over to search for signs of life, and hissed in dismay as he took in her flushed face, felt the heat of her skin under his hands, even as her body shivered. Fever. High. Dangerously so. The body tried to combat illness or infection by raising its temperature to burn away the source, but if it tried too hard, stayed too hot for too long, it could burn away the very thoughts from its mind or even shut itself down, as one too long in the summer sun without adequate water. Rillianthar scooped the limp body before him into his arms, then strode into the creek, heedless of his pants or boots. Serenity began to thrash about, making inarticulate sounds of protest as the cool water closed around her body, but Rillianthar held her firmly, stilling her thrashing as the water began to leech the warmth from both of them.

Rillianthar remained in the creek until the flush had faded from Serenity's skin, and he had begun to shiver to match hers, then slowly made his way back up and out of the creek, setting his feet carefully as he climbed. Serenity wasn't overly large, but she was also a woman grown, so Rillianthar's arms were aching by the time he had made his way back to the front of the cabin. Setting Serenity's limp form onto the bench, he opened the door and pulled off his waterlogged boots. After a moment's consideration, he stripped the soaked tunic from Serenity before taking her into his arms and maneuvering her back into the cabin in a mirror of his actions the night before. Rather than placing her on her stomach, this time he laid her onto her side, propped up by the wall. A quick rummage through the cabinet below his herbalism/alchemy bench produced a small, green vial. Mentally apologizing to Serenity, he uncorked the vial then pinched her nose shut. Her mouth opened to take in a breath, and he dumped the contents of the vial into her mouth as he released her nostrils and used the same hand to clamp her mouth closed around the medicine. Even unconscious, Serenity fought, though a kitten would have been ashamed of the blows she struck, but Rillianthar was implacable. Finally, her throat convulsed as she swallowed the foul tasting liquid, and Rillianthar removed his hand, holding a cup of honey sweetened water to her lips. Serenity's mind might be elsewhere, but her body accepted the water as quickly as Rillianthar could safely pour it onto her lips.

Between one sip and the next, the sedative effect of the drought took effect, and Serenity sagged further down into the bed, her body limp in a way that the fever would not have allowed. Rillianthar turned her onto her stomach, carefully positioning her head on a pillow and folding her arms under it. Now that the salve had been washed away, he could see the bright red of an infected wound, feel the heat radiating off of the cut made by a cane blow. There seemed to be several points that were more inflamed than the cut as a whole, and Rillianthar grabbed a pair of his smallest grippers then considered carefully. Even with the drought keeping her unconscious, Serenity was going to feel this, and it was going to hurt. He couldn't have her moving too much while he worked, so with a mental apology to the young woman, he reached up and pulled her arms down to her sides before sitting astride her upper thighs, pinning her down with his weight as he bent over her back and probed carefully at the inflamed scar.

Rillianthar wasn't certain how long he sat astride Serenity, holding her down despite her body's desperate attempts to get away from the agony he was inflicting as he teased each fragment of splintered cane from her back, reopened the wound ever so carefully with his sharpest blade to express the toxic pus that had built up there, poisoning the rest of her body, then packed the wound with flemming moss. He could almost see her unconscious body sag with relief when his weight finally left her, only to tense again when he began to spread healing tincture on her abused flesh. When his touch invoked no further pain however, her body seemed to relax, and he breathed a sigh of relief that the worst of the treatment was over. Serenity's fever remained high, but the drought would help her fight the infection. Now however, it was all up to the strength of her abused body and spirit as to whether or not she recovered. Positioning Serenity as comfortably as he could manage, Rillianthar set about the work of the farm. No matter the needs of his guest, student... the work never stopped.

The next couple of days merged into a bit of a blur for Rillianthar as the needs of the farm and caring for Serenity ate into his reserves of strength. He rose at dawn, folding the cot then checking on Serenity before caring for himself. Her fever remained high, but not so high as when he had found her by the creek. Her back lost the fiery crimson of infection, and under the effects of the tincture the wounds knit themselves together. While there was no sense of awareness in her gaze, he could lead Serenity to the bathing room. She would use the privy if placed upon it, though Rillianthar had to cleanse her afterwards. Perhaps he should have felt awkward, but Serenity was not the first invalid that he had cared for, so while his touch was gentle, it was also very straightforward. He would return her to the bed, then eat a hasty meal before going about his mornings work. The needs of the farm kept him busy until midday, when he returned to the cabin to check on his patient. Another trip to the privy for her, managing to get her to take another dose of the healing drought, then sip heavily honeyed water until the sedative effects carried her away once more. Back to the thousand and one needs of his animals, the buildings, the small garden, at least until the light dimmed too much for him to work by, then back to the cabin to help Serenity to the privy, then sitting her on a stool in the shower so he could wash away the tincture from the day before, along with the stale sweat. Drying her hair was a long process, as was brushing it out so he could braid it back. Change the linens, dress Serenity in another of his winter tunics before trying to get her to drink as much broth as he could before the evening drought carried her away. Then he could clean the cabin, feed himself, and decide what must be done the next morning. Before unfolding the cot, he would sit by Serenity's bedside, reading to her from one of the books he found in the trunk he had retrieved. He did not know any of the stories, but the pages were well worn, and Serenity seemed to welcome the words, despite her semi-delirious or drugged state.

"Goddess grant that she recovers her wits," he thought on the evening of the second day as he unfolded the cot and prepared for sleep. The fever that had wracked that slender body seemed to be abating, and Rillianthar dared to hope that she would recover with her wits intact. She needed proper food, sunlight. He was doing his best, but he feared that despite his best efforts, they might not have been enough. "Please Bright Lady. She has suffered enough for a thousand lifetimes. Call her home, or grant her the strength she needs to return."

PrincessCrystal (He's getting tired, but he's not giving up.)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity dreamed of her life with her master. Both before and after his change in attitude towards her. There were times when he would tie her up and leave her on the cot for hours on end. Taking advantage of her as was his right as her master. She was always gagged before he did anything to her, and she hated it.

As the time passed, Serenity could since that these were dreams of her past. Soon she felt warmth on her face, her eyes slowly fluttered open to reveal the sun shining in the window, right in her face. She groaned painfully as she moved to get the sun out of her face. That's when she noticed him.

Rill looked so very handsome as he lay sleeping on the cot she had used her whole life almost. It wasn't as though she were falling for him. But he had been so kind to her.

She stretched and moved to sit up. She tried her best not to wake him, and even though she felt very weak, Serenity made her way to the privy so she could use the facilities. Once she finished, she almost made it back to the bed when her legs gave out and she fell to her hands and knees with a loud "Oomph".

That's when she saw him looking at her. " I... I'm sorry. I did not mean to wake you. I was trying to get back to the bed but... Guess I'm still too weak." She sat back on her knees. "How... How long?" Serenity asked noticing his surprised look.

Tarmagon (At least she's moving under her own power right?)

 

[Tarmagon]

Rillianthar's sleep was troubled, something nagging at him, but his body was tired. Despite the relative discomfort of trying to use a cot that was really too small for his frame, he had slept deeply. Now though.

"Oomph".

Rillianthar's eyes shot open to find an unexpected sight. Serenity was on her hands and knees, obviously just fallen, and equally obviously had been trying to make her way back to the bed. Her eyes found his and widened slightly, then fell fractionally.

" I... I'm sorry. I did not mean to wake you. I was trying to get back to the bed but... Guess I'm still too weak." She sat back on her knees. "How... How long?"

"Two days and nights," he replied, rising from the cot and striding over to Serenity, clad in nothing more than his small clothes. He offered her a hand, pulling her to her feet gently, then steadying her as she swayed. He helped her to sit on the edge of the bed before speaking again. "The cane your erstwhile master used on you splintered, leaving bits behind in one of your cuts to fester. You took wound fever and wandered out of the cabin while I was away retrieving your books. You were delirious when I finally discovered you, the fever in danger of burning away your mind. I... did what was required."

Rillianthar turned away for a moment, the faced Serenity fully, his voice soft.

"I am sorry," he said quietly. "I failed as a healer by not considering the possibility of wound fever. As a result, I endangered your life, and subjected you to pain that you need not have born had I discovered and treated the splinters within your back when I first examined you. You are weak, because you have had naught save honeyed water and broth for two days, which is also at my feet. If you do not wish to trust my medicines and judgement moving forward, I fully understand."

PrincessCrystal (He feels bad for missing something that put her in danger.)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity was taken aback by Rill when he apologised to her. "I...I forgive you." she said quietly. "If not for you, I probably would have died from my masters beating. He would not have cared one way or another should I live or die. I am... I was just a plaything to him and nothing more." She explained. "If you had not come along and saved me when you did.... Where do you think I would be right now, should you have decided to keep on going, ignoring my cries from the beating?" Serenity looked down at her feet, a small tear finding its way down her face. "I would more than likely be dead, just as my Master is now."

Serenity looked up and took his hand in hers. "I thank you for everything you have done. You have cared for me, when I thought that no one would ever give a ...." She stopped as she weakly moved to stand beside him. "It is I who should be sorry. You have worked night and day to bring me back from near death. And for that I will forever be grateful."

Tarmagon (All smiles here)