Fantasy Gypsy Winds (PC and Tarmagon)

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity stirred, then felt a hand on her shoulder. She could hear a kind voice speaking to her. Her eyes slowly fluttered open and she sat up. "I'm sorry, I did not mean to fall asleep." She replied softly. She moved to stand, but rose too quickly and grew a bit lightheaded. "Move slower." She mumbled softly to herself. She waited a moment before moving again. "Do we need to go inside, or can we have a picnic of sorts in front of the house?" She asked him.

 

[Tarmagon]

Rather than answer immediately, Rillianthar took a moment to inventory the available items he knew he had. It seemed to him that a light meal could be put together out of food that did not need to be cooked or heated.

"I think that if you will be satisfied with a light meal consisting of cold foods, something could be arranged." he said. "It will take a few minutes to put together, so if you need to use the bath room, now would be a good time to do so."

Serenity cocked her head to one side as if considering the question, then held out a hand to Rillianthar. He placed her hand in the crook of his arm, then escorted her into the cabin with as much dignity as if he were escorting her at the Kings Court. While she attended to her needs, Rillianthar rummaged about in his pantry, collecting a loaf of bread, an unopened jar of last years berry preserves, a couple of different varieties of cheese, some her had made and some her had traded for, and some dried fruit bars. All of his selections went onto a deep lipped tray, along with a couple of knives. He covered it all with a clean cloth, then took it outside to Serenity's blanket before returning.

Serenity had just emerged from the bathroom as he re-entered the cabin, and he offered her his arm once more, pausing as they made their way outside to pull a bottle and a pair of delicate glasses from a cabinet. Seating Serenity by the covered tray, Rillianthar took himself to the garden. It was the work of but a minute to collect ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and to pull and wash a few carrots. Returning to where serenity sat, he uncovered the tray and set the bounty of the garden alongside its contents. Before he sat, Rillianthar made a quick trip to his smokehouse, pulling down a couple of the freshly smoked venison pieces. This time he took a seat beside Serenity as he added the venison to the loaded tray, then gestured to it with a smile.

"Ladies first," he said.

PrincessCrystal (Time to dine.)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

After using the privy, which took a little longer than usual, Serenity came out as he reentered the house. She was curious as to what he had fixed but said nothing as he escorted her back to her seat from before. She watched him as he moved about.

Happier than she had been in her whole life, A few tears fell down her cheeks as she watch Rill. He had taken such good care of her. Helping her to heal, helping her to learn, and most of all, teaching her what it truly meant to be cared for as a person, not a plaything.

She smiled as he sat beside her and removed the cover from the tray. She took a couple slices of bread and put the cheese between them, then took a huge bite, and smiled. After chewing and swallowing, Serenity spoke up. "Thank you." She said softly.

 

[Tarmagon]

"You are quite welcome," Rillianthar said, helping himself to the contents of the tray now that Serenity had started the meal. After making his selections, he uncorked the bottle and poured a measure of liquid that couldn't seem to decide if it were clear or faintly amber colored. A rich smell of apples rose above the glasses as he took one for himself and offered the other to Serenity.

"Cider wine," he said before taking an appreciative sip of the slightly tart wine. "It is not as strong as regular wine, but is as strong as a good ale. If you are unused to strong drink, then I suggest sipping sparingly."

PrincessCrystal (Your pardon for the brevity of this one, but we really do need her reaction to this. The wine is sweet/tart, tasting strongly of apples and a hint of cinnamon. It is also only as strong as a stout beer, so unless she is a complete lightweight, one wine glass should not affect her too much. Three or four.... maybe more so)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity took the glass and smelled the wine. She had never drank any wine before, never anything alcoholic. She took a small sip, just for taste, and shook her head. She handed it back to him. "I'm sorry Sir, I... I don't really think this is for me." She said quietly. The tart sweet mixture was too much for her, it lasted well past the initial taste, and felt like it clung to her tongue.

 

[Tarmagon]

“There is no reason to apologize Serenity,” Rillianthar said. “And unless I am actively instructing you my name is Rillianthar or Rill.”

Rillianthar took the glass from Serenity, replacing it with a glass of water.

“I’m afraid that until I can press some fruit, water or perhaps tea will be all I have to offer you,” he said apologetically. “Though if there is something you would like I can try to acquire it.”

For a few minutes they ate in a companionable silence, each alone in their thoughts. Rillianthar thought long and hard about telling Serenity about his encounter with the Goddess, but decided ultimately it was not his to tell. At least not until she asked.

“Did you rest well?” Rillianthar asked. “You seemed deeply asleep.”

PrincessCrystal (Sorry for the delay, its been a challenging weekend.”

 

[PrincessCrystal]

"Water is fine." Serenity replied before falling silent. She ate, and thought. She was so stupid. There was no way she would be able to learn new things. She was just a dumb slave girl who needed beatings to learn her lessons.

She was brought out of her head as Rill spoke up again. "Better than I have in a long time. It was strange though. I had no dreams. And if I did, I don't remember them." She answered quietly. "Sir... Err um... Rill... Do you believe in spirits?" Serenity asked him. "Or better yet, fairys? I swear I thought... When I was waking up... I thought I saw a wood spirit or wood fairy. Whatever they are called. Either way, she was very beautiful." Her eyes moved from her lap to his face. Her eyes full of unasked questions.

( Tarmagon no worries, RL comes first)

 

[Tarmagon]

"Serenity," Rillianthar said with a chuckle, "My father was an elf, remember. I believe in a great many things that humans do not, usually because I have seen them with my own eyes. Yes, spirits are very real, both the helpful and the malign. As for fairies, that can go either way depending upon the tribe. The tribe that resides near here is quite friendly, and I have spoken with them many times. The tribe that lives near the crest pf the mountain are more tricksters, and some that live in the deepest forest are malicious."

Rillianthar paused, wondering if he should explain fully, then gave a mental shrug. The Goddess hadn't forbidden him, and if She had let Serenity see a glimpse of Her, then that would be a starting point.

"The elves have more than a single god," he said. "And while my heritage is half human, I follow the elven ways. I follow the teachings of Hesvar, the Forest Queen. She bids us respect the forest in its entirety, taking only that which we need, and wasting nothing. She also bids us care for those in need, protect those who cannot protect themselves, and while not to actively seek out battle, not to shirk from it when confronted with danger. In return She grants those who follow Her ways the bounty of the forest, the ability to move freely through Her domain, and other benefits suited to the role Her stewards and wardens fill. What you glimpsed was Her avatar, manifested to speak with me. She has laid a charge upon me, and granted a boon to aid me... and while you are not one of Her followers, She has granted you a boon as well. While you remain in the bounds of the forest, trust in your feelings. You have a Guardian Spirit with you, and while it cannot speak in words, it can in feelings. It sees what you cannot, and will try to warn you with nervousness, or encourage you with calm and approval."

PrincessCrystal (I'm certain there will be a flood of questions, so inserting a pause.)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity blushed when Rill chuckled. Had she said something funny. "So... She was a spirit? Or was she a goddess? I'm confused. And if I'm not one of hers why did she give me a... What did you call it? A boon? What is a boon and why me? I haven't done anything worthy to deserve something from a goddess. My master beat me a lot because he said I was a bad slave. Slaves aren't worth anything. Definitely not worthy of receiving gifts from a goddess." Once the damn broke on her questions, she asked tons. And then her words turned.

"If I'm not... I'm sorry Rill but I don't believe I am worthy of anything. I'm just... You can tell me that I shouldn't say such stuff but I still think it. Its hard not to. Master always said I was stupid, not worth shit and that no-one would love me as he did. I'm damaged goods, he said. Only kept me around so he wouldn't have to buy a new toy. I'm stupid, I'm a slut, I'm a bitch, and a whole slew of other names." Her eyes fell to her lap. "I'm nothing but a dumb bitch who let master's brother attack me and rape me. I....i..." She fell silent for just a moment. "I'm not worthy of anything from anyone. I should have died, long ago. But..." Her voice stopped, never finishing her words.

 

[Tarmagon]

"No," Rill said, his voice carrying a note of steel. "You should not have died. There are no 'buts' about it. As for the boon, gift, blessing, call it what you will, that my Goddess has chosen to bestow upon you, well, I would not presume to claim to wisdom exceeding that of one such as She. She was here long before I was born, and She shall endure far after I am dust within the ground. She bestows Her blessings as She sees fit, to whom She sees fit. If you believe you are unworthy, you may attempt to summon Her likeness and argue the point with Her."

Rill sat back with a sigh. He knew this was going to be challenging, he had known it from the first moment he decided to intervene back at the camp. He was trying to overcome years of conditioning and abuse. It would be long and slow. So, best to engage Serenity's mind to make her come to her own conclusions.

"So, for years your master told you that you were a bad slave. That you were worthless, You seem to think that you 'let' things be done to you." Rill's voice was gentle, but then it suddenly held the snap of command. "Answer immediately. Whom does a slave serve? Who decides what a slave does? Who chooses where a slave goes? What one wears? What one is allowed to learn?"

PrincessCrystal (He's not being cruel, but he IS proving a point.

 

[PrincessCrystal]

As orders were given, she gave her answers immediately like told to. "A slave serves the master to whom they belong to. It is the master's decision as to what a slave is allowed to do, allowed to wear, allowed to go and allowed to learn. If a slave is left, chained to the bed in her master's room.... Master is the one who said I let it happen.... But... " Serenity looked up. "But I had no say in the matter when his brother attacked me. No matter how much I tried to fight him, he was stronger." She said, finally realizing that she couldn't let him if she couldn't fight him. "I was helpless, I couldn't stop him no matter how hard I tried. Why... Why did master put the blame on me? Why did he say it was my fault? He constantly blamed me for the attack and rape..."

 

[Tarmagon]

"Because he could not admit that the fault was his own, " Rillianthar said quietly. "Rather than admit an error, even to himself, he blamed the one he was supposed to protect. As for the rest, do you know what the words actually mean? A bitch is a woman who is mean to others for no reason save their own pleasure. Have you ever chosen your words to deliberately hurt someone? A slut seeks pleasure from many, is unfaithful, would never have tried to fight someone wanting sex. A whore is a professional, who gets paid to sleep with men or women. Were you ever paid in anything besides derision and abuse? "

Rillianthar sat back, watching the wheels turn in Serenity's head.

PrincessCrystal (more for for thought)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

"He blamed himself for being unable to protect me... So all these years... " Serenity ran the words through her head. "It was all because he blamed himself. All the things he called me, did to me..." But... "Why did he claim to love me if he did not? Why didn't he just kill me and be done with his guilt over the attack? Or why not let me die after the attack instead of nursing me back to health...?" Now she was confused. Why say you love someone but then treat them like shit?

 

[Tarmagon]

"I, do not think that he actually loved YOU," Rill said, his voice full of compassion. "I think he loved the IDEA that you represented. You were that most beautiful thing that only he possessed. You belonged to him, and him alone. I would not be at all surprised if you told me that he flaunted his ownership in front of his brother. I doubt he was the kind of person to make you actually... perform acts in front of his brother, but I am quite, quite certain that he bragged about your prowess at the very least. While you were his and his alone, you were special. Then, he grew careless, and his brother sullied that which was perfect. Rather than let his brother know that he had won by letting you die, he nursed you back to health and made certain that it was known you still were his. However, when he looked upon you, the specter of his failure looked back at him. Rather than resent himself, he began to resent you, taking his frustrations out on you. Before I took his life, he said you were his, and his alone, and that he would beat you to death before he let anyone else have you."

Rill gave a mirthless chuckle as Hesvar's words came back to him.

"I know the whole idea of Gods and Goddesses is new to you," he said. "But Hesvar has told me that while your former master is not in Her domain, She knows the one who is... responsible for him. And She has spoken to that one, and received reassurance that it will be a long and educational stay in the spirit realm for your former master ere he is permitted to return to the physical world."

PrincessCrystal (Someone is NOT enjoying his time in the afterlife.)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

"Didn't love me..." The words sounded strange in her ears and her mind drifted from Rill and his words. There was a lot she needed to come to terms with. The first being that she was never truly loved by her master. Serenity looked away from Rill and down at her lap, her vision blurring as she tried to blink back the tears that threatened to fall.

As he spoke her tears turned to anger. Anger with herself for being so dumb as to believe anything her master had said. Anger with her master for treating her as he had only because he hadn't been able to protect her as he should have. And anger at the brother for having spoiled her body for her master.

 

[Tarmagon]

Rill could see Serenity's shoulders tighten, but the tremors were small, quick. These were not the tremors of repressed sobbing, these were the tremors of repressed fury.

"You are becoming angry," Rill said. "That can be both good and bad. A good, clean, righteous anger can give you focus, strength. Blind fury can do just what its name implies. Blind you, make you reckless, unable to see anything but the anger. And do not make the mistake of seeing everyone you meet through the lens of your anger. It can make you miss out on so many good things in life."

Rill wanted to do nothing more than gather Serenity into his arms and comfort her, but in this moment he was certain that the last thing she needed was contact by a male. He would let things proceed at Serenity's pace.

"It is getting late," he said gently. "The animals will be needed attention soon. If you would care to return to the cabin, I can clean up here and then take care of the needs of the farm for the night."

PrincessCrystal

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity was brought out of her thoughts by his voice, her eyes moving from her lap to his face. The color drained from her face, like she'd seen a ghost or something. Angry? Yes she... had been. The anger drained away as the color in her face did. She looked into his eyes as her color slowly returned. "Have you ever been lied to by someone who held your life in their hands? I depended on him for my food, my health, the roof over my head. If he wanted to... He could have killed me at anytime, slit my throat, choked me to death, beat me to death, anything. ..." She fell silent as he spoke up about it being late. "I would prefer to return to the indoors if that is ok with you please."

The young lady placed her hand on the tree beside her and used it to help her stand. She looked at Rill again and frowned. "I'm sorry for becoming angry. It is something that... I have never been angry before. It felt strange." Serenity admitted sadly. She moved to go toward to house but stopped and waited for him to help her back inside.

 

[Tarmagon]

“It is not an emotion I enjoy either,” Rillianthar said, offering Serenity his arm. “I do admit that I felt it when you told me your former master had hit you in the head with a cane."

Rill didn't say anything more as he helped Serenity make her way into the cabin. It was gloomy in the cabin, the light of the westering sun making the shadows deep inside, so Rill took a few moments and moved about, lighting the lanterns after he saw Serenity settled onto the bed.

"I should not be more than half an hour or so," he said as he hung the last lantern from its chain. " Feel free to do as you will. Since you are still recovering, you shall make use of the bed for tonight. I shall see about getting the materials to make another bed, and send inquiries to some friends about making an expansion to the cabin so that you may have a room of your own. I rather doubt that you were ever given any such luxury after you were removed from your home."

Rillianthar have Serenity a warm smile as he made his way outside to see to the animals needs. The horse, the goats, and of course the chickens were all quite ready to bed down for the night, and the task went smoothly. Soon enough, all the animals were tucked away safely for the evening, and Rillianthar returned to the cabin, pausing outside to breathe a prayer of thanks to Hesvar for the resiliency Serenity seemed to be exhibiting.

"I am done," he called before opening the door to the cabin. It would not be a good thing to startle Serenity right now. She might very well do herself a mischief.

PrincessCrystal

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity accepted his arm and was kinda happy when he walked slowly. They entered his home and she sat upon the bed while he went around lighting the lamps. She lay down on the bed and looked out the window as he left to do the work of caring for the animals.

When he returned from his duties, he found Serenity, sound asleep, on the bed. She still wore the dress that he had made for her and her arm hung off the side of the bed, her face toward the door. She had fallen asleep waiting for him to return.

 

[Tarmagon]

For a moment Rillianthar smiled down at the sleeping young woman. He hoped that at least in sleep, she could find the happiness that had been stolen from her so many times. After a moment's consideration however, he decided that he would have to disturb her rest, of only for a moment. Moving quietly, he pulled out a clean sleeping tunic, then regarded Serenity. How best to get her changed? Well, she was unabashed with her body, and while she was indeed lovely, Rill considered her a patient still. Moving carefully, he loosened the belt holding the tunic and skirt, then sat beside Serenity on the bed. He lifted her up until she was leaning against him, eliciting a sleepy murmur but nothing more. He worked the tunic up, over her head then down her arms, leaving her upper torso bare only for as long as it took him to pull the sleeping tunic over her head. It was a bit more challenging to get her arms into the sleeves without waking her, but he moved slowly, and despite the fact that his arms were shaking from the strain before he was done, managed his self appointed task.

Pausing to recover his strength, Rill gazed fondly down at his young charge. There was a fire inside her, buried deeply and currently banked low, but it was there. He hoped that he would be able to encourage those embers to spring to their full life. If he could, and if Serenity could adapt to being her own person, she would make a partner to be cherished by whomever she finally chose to share her life with.

When his arms were steady, Rill reached down and pulled back the coverlet of the bed before lowering Serenity back down. A minutes slow and gentle work managed to divest her of the skirt and pull the sleeping tunic down to preserve her modestly. He tucked the coverlet up around her shoulders, then moved by an impulse, he placed a feather light kiss upon her forehead.

"Rest well," he whispered. "You are in a safe place, watched over and protected."

Rillianthar gazed down at Serenity for a moment more, then shook himself and set about dousing the lanterns before beginning his own nightly rituals. Tomorrow would be another day, and rather than the cot, his chair would be tonight's bed.

PrincessCrystal (If this doesn't suit, please let me know and I will re-write)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity was exhausted. Even though she had done nothing but read and sleep, literally, she slept soundly. After he had finished changing her clothing and checking on her back, she stirred a little but went right back to sleep after he tucked her in.

Hours later, probably around midnight or so, Serenity started dreaming about her old master. It had been several days since she'd had the nightmares, and this one seemed worse than the others. She tossed and turned, whimpering in her sleep. She even called out for help as her sleep deepened. Suddenly she bolted up in bed, her eyes wide with fright. Shaking, she pulled herself into a ball and into the corner of the bed by the wall. She began crying, trying hard not to wake Rill from his sleep.

 

[Tarmagon]

A soft sound woke Rillianthar from his slumber. At first he couldn't place what had woken him, but then it came again. It was a desperate little sound, the whimper of a lost child or pet, carried away from safety and gazing about with scared eyes, not understanding. Opening his eyes, he saw Serenity tossing and turning about, obviously in the throes of a dream. Before he could rise she uttered a plaintive cry for help, then shot bolt upright, her eyes wide and staring before she seemed to collapse in on herself. In moments Serenity was nothing more than a ball of misery, curled tight in upon herself as she huddled against the wall as though seeking shelter. Despite her best efforts, Rillianthar could hear her crying softly.

In moments Rillianthar was out of his chair and enfolding Serenity in his arms. For a second she stiffened, then as he began to rock her gently and croon a wordless lullaby from his childhood, she snuggled against him, seeking the comfort of his arms. Rillianthar wasn't certain afterwards how long they remained thus, Serenity giving vent to her tears, and he soothing her terrors away, but he felt a slow relaxation begin to seep into Serenity as her fears slowly ebbed. Rather than speak, Rillianthar slowly shifted so that finally Serenity lay once more upon the bed, rather than huddled against the wall, her head pillowed in his lap. Rillianthar remained sitting, his back against the wall, as Serenity, her emotional storm finally waning, drifted off to sleep as he slowly stroked her hair, making reassuring noises.

Rillianthar considered the young woman sleeping before him, her head nestled in his lap, then reached out to pull the coverlet up over her now still form. Settling himself as comfortably as he could against the wall, he allowed his eyes to drift shut. He was quite certain that when he rose, he would pay a price for sleeping thus, but if he could give Serenity a few hours of restful sleep, he would deal with the consequences.

PrincessCrystal (He's going to have such a stiff neck in the morning)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

With his hand brushing across her hair, Serenity fell back to sleep. She could feel safety in his hands, in the way he held her, the way he hummed the tune that came from him. She finally felt safe, something that she had never felt before. She found herself craving this feeling, wanting to feel it always. But she knew it would not last forever. There were men out there that wanted her. They didn't want her for a wife. They wanted her as a toy. An objet to be used for their own pleasure. But for now... For now, Serenity was safe and she could finally sleep without fear of being hurt.

Morning came and she groaned as the sun shone into her face, causing her to open her eyes. She sat up and sighed when she saw that he had sat there with her head on his lap all night. She reached for his face, her hand softly caressing his cheek. "Rill. It is time to wake." She whispered as she touched her lips to his, softly, sweetly.

 

[Tarmagon]

Rillianthar woke to a gentle caress, and an even gentler kiss. For just a moment he was confused and startled, then the events of the last few days returned, and he returned Serenity's gentle kiss, matching her mood. There was nothing of passion there, though he sensed that Serenity was capable of great passion, most likely far beyond anything her trainers could imagine. She would have been affectionate, loving, and generous with her attention, and they had taken that and molded it into something, else. He drew back slowly, smiling.

"Good morning Sere," he said, then his features contorted into a grimace of pain as his neck and back spasmed sharply. His breath hissed as he held himself still through an act of iron will. Serenity looked alarmed, and he hastened to reassure her, though his tone was wry. "I seem to have done myself a mischief. My neck and back do not seem to approve of the wall of the cabin as a suitable sleeping arrangement."

As he spoke, Rill moved slowly, carefully, to the edge of the bed. Keeping his movements controlled, he tested the limits of his mobility, then grimaced. He had the proper ingredients, but preparing them would be, uncomfortable.

"Serenity?" he asked quietly. "I find myself in need of your assistance. I have everything required to correct my situation, but preparing the medicine would cause me great discomfort. I would be obliged greatly if you would follow my directions and prepare the mixture for me. It is simple, but required the use of mortal and pestle, which my current condition would make it difficult to assay."

PrincessCrystal (Time for Serenity to shine)

 

[PrincessCrystal]

Serenity smiled after he pulled back from the returned kiss. Her smile widened when he called her by a shortened version of her name. "I like that Rill, Sere. You may call me that if you wish." She kissed his cheek, then noticed the pain he was in.

"I... I can fix it... Without medicine." Serenity stuttered. "Please let me, in my own way, repay you for healing me." She blushed a bit. "No one but my dead master, and now you, know this, but we discovered a while back that I have the powers of a healer. I... If you will trust me and give me a chance... I can fix this for you."