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Post by Ringulf on Nov 10, 2010 17:21:11 GMT -5
Omensinger woke to see the steam from his breath swirling in the grey light of the predawn morning.
He realized that he and his lover were closely entwined beneath the thick down filled white covers of the large four posted bed.
That bed had been the center of their world last night, a veritable playground of love and merriment as the two reveled in each other as though the world would come to an end at first light.
His taught muscles still ached slightly from the exertions! "My God!" He thought to himself as he looked down at his sleeping Angel Leah, "I am not sure if I can keep this up! She is almost more than I can handle!....almost hee hee!"
He kissed her on her forehead and she stirred slightly.
"Don't move my love sleep a bit more, you deserve the rest. I am going to get some necessities for our voyage and take care of Gryphon, meet me at Preston's when you wake and are dressed. Bring what you need to effect the guise of a not too noble, noble lady, heh heh! At least that way when I make love to you on board during the passage we will only be solidifying our cover" He snickered in her ear and he saw the traces of a smile on her lips as he kissed her angelic sleepy face.
He untangled himself from her and from Their covers, dressed quickly, retrieved his weapons and the saddlebags and started to leave.
Omensinger stopped and pulled out his pouch he counted out ten of the twenty gold coins Valentigne had so generously bequeathed him and set it in a stack on the small round stand they had pulled toward the tub and put one of her knives next to it so she would not overlook it.
Not that that was likely, she missed nothing, her training was superb. He even had a funny thought cross his mind about weather or not her organization might be able to use a Celtic spy themselves....that's silly one could never trust a double agent and Omensinger needed to stand for something or his life would loose the type of quality he demanded of himself.
He looked at the column of gold coins, "I hope she doesn't get the wrong idea, but she may need expenses for provisions of her own." He thought to himself.
He unlatched the big door and slipped out he saw a page in the hallway and stopped her saying,
"Please make sure my Lady in that room there is brought a hearty breakfast and is wakened in no more than an hour do you understand?" He asked the young girl with a smile
She returned the smile and cocked an eyebrow mischievously at him as her mind turned to thoughts of romantic interludes and the trysts that the nobles of the castle were infamous for.
He gave her a silver coin and chuckled as he saw that feminine gleam in her eye.
"Heh heh your time will come soon little one, but enjoy your youth and your innocence for a while longer, once it flies it will never come home to roost again!" He put his hand up to her chin and tilted her head up then after briefly studying her young teenage face approvingly, he beeped her nose with his index finger and left.
She looked on after the handsome bard and smiled then she half skipped off to the kitchens her long dark pony tail flipping from side to side.
Omensinger once again left the castle and ventured a look back. He remembered the last time he had done so and the feeling of uncertainty about he and Leah. Now however though there was more uncertainty in their futures with the dangerous mission they were undertaking, There was little uncertainty in his heart about their feelings for each other.
He strode briskly down to the tavern to recover Gryphon from the stable and he gave the stable boy the extra coins he had promised. He saddle the black hunter and trotted off to Preston's Chandlery.
He had just trotted up to the stable entrance when he saw Sandy coming out to do her morning shopping in town.
"Good Morning M'Lady" he said in a cheery tone and she turned and looked up at him.
"Douglas! My word you startled me! I am glad to see you, did you find your boat? and where is Miss Leah you are not off to greener pastures already are you? she said with a mockingly scolding look.
"No, No I left Miss Leah to have her breakfast and prepare, we are going on a sea voyage this morning to Gualica I was wondering if I might impose on you to take in Gryphon with the others while I am gone?" he said climbing down of the long-legged horse.
"Well of course I would be happy to have such a dapper guest among the girls, much like his master. But a sea voyage Douglas? are you getting serious with this one? I thought I detected a bit more intensity there." she said
The Bard actually was in uncharted waters, he was somewhat speechless but when he found his tongue he said,
"Actually Sandy I believe I am...in love, God help me but I am."
"Oh my I was just joking with you...you are? Oh honey I am so happy for you, you have needed a good woman in your life, I was almost hoping someday when I was older it might be me! But I can see now you are smitten and hearts around the known world are breaking tonight!"
He kissed her on the forehead as well and said,
"Thank you Sweet one you and Preston are good friends ad don't worry you will land a prince not a mere bard or you will have married below your station! Let Preston know I found my ship and I will be following it aboard the L'ioseux Noir with Leah, ask him if he would do a thorough investigation on that vessel and get it into the hands of The Ranger Commandant Crowley, let him know it is from Omansinger."
He handed her the reigns and waved as he dashed off toward the clothiers quarter.
He called back to her over his shoulder,
"I will be back in a bit! Leah will be meeting me here so I will see you to say goodbye!"
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Post by Brandwyn on Nov 15, 2010 21:01:01 GMT -5
Lea felt Omen move next to her and she gripped him tighter, not wanting him to get up. She was pleasantly sore and it felt as if she had just closed her eyes and fallen asleep moments before. She marveled that he had the strength to get up and move around. He had been amazing and she had been pushed to the limits of her endurance in the most pleasant of ways.
"Don't move my love sleep a bit more, you deserve the rest. I am going to get some necessities for our voyage and take care of Wyvern meet me at Preston's when you wake and are dressed bring what you need to effect the guise of a not too noble, noble lady, heh heh At least that way when I make love to you on board during the passage we will only be solidifying our cover" He snickered in her ear and he saw the traces of a smile on her lips as he kissed her angelic sleepy face.
She pouted for a moment, “Do you have to go now? We only just got to sleep didn’t we?” she half mumbled it, her words a bit slurred from sleep and the fact her jaw was aching from the exercise of their previous activities. He seemed determined to leave, however, so she tried to stay awake to pay attention to what he was saying.
She smiled at his quip about a noble lady, but then realized she was going to have to get a couple of dresses with accessories. Slowly she was waking up as he made his way out the door after kissing her.
She felt a wrench as he walked out the door and jerked fully awake. It felt as if a large part of her was missing. For a moment she nearly ran after him to beg him to stay or take her with him. She couldn’t bear to be away from him.
She heard his voice briefly outside the door, however, and delayed too long. He had moved off and now she had to figure out what she needed to do before they sailed. She shook herself awake, stretching each muscle and flexing it.
She stood for a moment in the center of the room and smiled, remembering everything they had done during the night. The room looked like a small cyclone had hit it. In the vortex was the disheveled four poster bed with her knives still sticking out of the posts.
The bathtub was still mostly full of water, though it was now quite cool. Lea looked in and judged the water was not all that dirty. A brisk dip would not only freshen her up, but it would wake her up fully so she located her towel and lay it on the bench next to the tub and then stepped into the tepid water.
After her brief bath she dressed and tidied up the room, packing her belongings and reinstalling her arsenal of knives in their proper locations on her person. She found his money and stared at it for a long moment. Surely he didn’t think- no, she reasoned. He must have left the coins for traveling expenses, not for her ‘services’. She chuckled at the thought, she was good, but 10 gold pieces good? Hardly.’ She scooped the coins up and deposited them into a tiny empty pouch and tucked it in her cleavage next to the ‘nipple dagger’ that was stashed in the same place.
Ensuring everything was in order and her meager possessions accounted for she was just about to leave when there was a knock on the door. Lea glanced at it in surprise and pulled a dagger, laying it along her arm oncealed by the dress. She opened the door and to her delight it was a servant with a tray full of food. The young girl swept into the room and set the tray on the little dining table.
“Your dashing Master bid me bring you breakfast and ensure that you are awake.” The girl eyed her curiously as she then moved toward the door.
Lea slipped her a copper piece, “Thank you!”
After Lea had eaten a small amount of the food on the tray and packed most of it up to travel with them, she set off toward the hospital.
She had to let Dougal know what was going on and she had to get some clothing for the voyage.
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Post by Brandwyn on Nov 16, 2010 12:07:22 GMT -5
Lea entered the wing of the hospital that housed Sir Katrina by way of the same courtyard she had exited the day before. The stack of crates containing the gold bars was nowhere to be seen. However there were some muddy wheel prints made by a wheel barrow leading away from the spot across the dirt courtyard. In the warmer months, the courtyard was awash with hundreds of bright flowers but now they were all dormant in their snug dirt beds.
Lea followed the path of the wheel barrow tracks across the courtyard and into a door on the far side. They led down a hallway and went under a locked door on the left. She looked up and could see writing on the door, but did not know what it said. She pulled out a scrap of parchment from her ever present satchel and a piece of charcoal stick and carefully copied the letters exactly as they appeared on the door.
She considered picking the lock, but just as she was putting the parchment away a rather large man in a white tunic and black leggings came around the corner and nearly collided with her. He was carrying a crate and didn’t see her until she moved back quickly out of the way. She looked around as if confused. “Oh! Sorry! Maybe you can help me?”
He grunted and sat the crate on the ground and stood back up with a scowl on his face. “You are not supposed to be here.” He took out a wad of keys and sorted through them. “Run along now.”
“That is just it, I am so totally lost. I was looking for the C-ward but I can’t seem to find it.” Lea pouted, then looked up at him with sad puppy dog eyes. “Maybe you can tell me which way to go?”
“The C-ward? Lady you are on the wrong side of the hospital for that. How’d ya get back here anyway?” He unlocked the door and picked up the crate, kicked the door open and started through it.
Lea followed him in, “Oh I have been wandering for ages. I don’t even know how to get back out of this building. By the time I find my friend she might be gone! She is very ill, you know. Got a fever and terrible sores.” Lea knew that the C-ward was where the people who had illnesses that could be caught were housed.
All the while her eyes were darting around the huge room. There were shelves with labels on them and all manner of instruments and supplies lay upon them. On one wall was a series of shelves that contained dried herbs in jars. There was one shelf unit in the middle of the floor entirely devoted to blankets and pillows. She poked her nose in a couple of crates and sneezed.
“You shouldn’t be in here, I could get in trouble.” The man said as he sat the crate on a shelf and turned back to her. He was looking at her as if she was a big fat canary and he was a cat. Lea had no doubts what was on his mind. She spied the crates with the Gallica emblem on them. They appeared to still be unopened.
“Well, then we should probably leave, I would not want to bring you any problems.” Lea smiled at him and moved toward the door. He sprang so quickly for the door that Lea’s head nearly spun. He pulled it shut and leaned on the door frame, one hand on his hip, the other reaching up to push down a bolt that secured the door.
“Not so fast, you pretty little dove.” He smiled at her, the lust plain in his eyes. “I have something to give you.”
Lea backed away from him, her eyes going wide with fear as she calculated her options. She couldn’t afford to leave a body here. Normally she would have let him have his fun and charged him for the pleasure and been on her way but something had changed within her. She now felt that to do so, would be a betrayal to Omensinger and aside from that she didn’t have time for the distraction anyway. She had a ship to catch and much to do before it sailed.
She smiled back at him then, weakly, as if afraid of him and trying not to show it. “I really should be going, my friend…” her voice trailed off as he stepped toward her and grabbed her hair, fingering the soft curls.
“…can wait until we have had a bit of fun, Little Bird.” He slipped his hand around her neck and pulled her in, pressing his lips against hers and forcing her tongue open. Lea fought him as she figured a pathetic noble woman would fight by pushing against his chest, pulling back and pounding him ineffectually with her fists.
Suddenly he released her and she stumbled backwards and then ran, yelling for help. He laughed at her and slowly followed. Lea looked around for something to use to club him with. She was loath to reveal her daggers and break character. When he was revived he needed to believe he had been knocked out by a helpless, witless noble woman, not a trained agent of the government.
She ran around the end of a stack of shelves and spied a likely weapon. There were a row of crutches and walking sticks standing up on the bottom shelf, leaning on the restraining bar that had been nailed to the front side of the shelf about three feet from the floor. She pulled out a stout walking stick with a fine looking horse head carved in the pommel and darted down to the end of the shelf and hid behind it.
“There, there now, my little Dove, come on out and play.” The orderly taunted as she could hear him removing certain items of clothing. “I do so love it when you girls play hard to get.” He chuckled as he slowly came around the end of the shelves looking for her. He had both hands on his belt in the act of unbuckling it. Because he was looking down at his pants, he never saw the walking stick descend upon his head with a mighty ‘thwack!’
The man crumpled to the ground at Lea’s feet. Quickly she rolled him over partly onto his back and finished undoing his pants. She pulled out some rouge from her satchel and spread it over her lips and then proceeded to leave kiss marks in the bright red lip color all over his face and chest. When she was finished she wiped the rouge off her lips and looked around, thinking the scene needed a little more embellishments.
She found a crate containing some very strong liquor and pulled one bottle out. After a bit of struggle with the cork, she finally got it opened and nearly gagged at its strength. She wasn’t fond of the harder whiskeys, but this one would server her purpose nicely. She poured some in his mouth and splashed it on his hair and chest and then over his tunic that was lying on the floor at the other end of the shelves. She dribbled some on the floor in a trail back to the door and then went back and placed the half empty bottle in his hand.
Lea added one final item that would likely seal the cad’s fate and that was an old pair of her bloomers that was in sore need of patching. She exaggerated the tears and wetted them with some of the alcohol on the floor and then placed them near his other hand.
She picked up the walking stick and started to slide it back into the rack but upon reflection decided it was a rather nice carving and so she hung it over her arm and went back to the door. She couldn’t reach the bolt lever at the top of the door until she shoved a crate over and climbed up it. She pushed it up, releasing the door and then quickly pushed the crate back and slipped out into the hallway. No one was around so she quickly ran back across the courtyard and slipped into the door on the far side into the wing where Katrina lay.
Breathing a bit hard from her exertions, Lea walked calmly into Katrina’s ward, looking for Captain Dougal. She saw him just where she expected him to be, on the stool at Katrina’s bedside.
She nodded to Katrina and said softly, “I have news for you, Captain.” She looked around to see if anyone was listening. “I have a lead on – the issue at hand – and I need permission to follow it.” She didn’t want to say too much in their current location since there were far too many ears in the room. She tried to remember the code phrases she had been taught but there wasn’t really one for ‘the king has left the country’ so she decided to go with one that was fairly close but meant that their prey was getting away. “The chicken has flown the coop and the fox is after it.”
Loudly she said, “Good morning to you Sir Katrina, Captain Dougal! I hope you are feeling much better today, My Lady!” She smiled and sat down on the edge of Katrina’s bed. “I told you I would come visit you again!”
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Dougal
Apprentice Messenger
Posts: 597
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Post by Dougal on Nov 19, 2010 20:19:39 GMT -5
The accident at the Yule Ball had really scared Dougal. The thought of loosing Katrina so soon after he'd decided to break protocol and admit his true feelings had very nearly broken him. Already rumours were spreading about his breakdown and unsuitability to command, but he was trying to ignore them. He knew that his men would be more patient with him than most, but even they would be gossiping and wondering. Luckily Greer was an excellent second in command and, Dougal suspected, would soon become an excellent commanding officer. Still, there was always some hope that things might not turn out so bad.
Soft, even footsteps came from the doorway and Dougal looked over, thinking that the nurse wasn't scheduled to be there for a few hours and wondering if Katrina had some friends in the castle who wanted to visit. To his surprise, the person in question was Lea. She was walking calmly, but he detected something of a slight flush and, when she came closer, noticed that she was breathing fast. An older part of his mind sarcastically wondered who she'd just screwed, but the new, emerging part of his mind wondered what had happened. Face blank, he looked for any clues on the subject.
“I have news for you, Captain. have a lead on – the issue at hand – and I need permission to follow it. The chicken has flown the coop and the fox is after it.”
Dougal frowned, and then swore softly. If he was interpreting Lea correctly, Duncan had been taken out of the country. That was bad. Who had taken him, and why? What were their intentions, and how could he and his men help? Still, at least Lea had a lead. For a second, Dougal regretted not being in his office and abandoning his duty, but he looked down at Katrina and cursed himself for thinking that. It was then that he realised that he cared more for Katrina than he did about his duty and the king. That was dangerous, and he knew that it would be easy to break him now.
Lea was talking to Katrina now, and Dougal lowered his head, deep in thought. After a few moments, he raised his head and looked at Katrina.
"Katrina, do you mind if I speak with Lea in private? I think I need to hear what she has to say in full."
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Post by Ringulf on Nov 25, 2010 18:49:02 GMT -5
Omensinger trotted down the cobblestone street until he got to a section that had many shops that catered to clothing and dry goods.
Omensinger looked up and down and found a shop that seemed to be a bit more top shelf than the rest and dealt with primarily mens garments call "The Lord's Taylor".
He entered and was surrounded by richly paneled dark wood and very opulent stuffed chairs. a small man with a long measuring tape came to him immediately.
"M'Lord how may I help you this day?" he said with a bow.
"I would like to find such finery as is in fashion in Gaulica at this time befitting a knight. Do you lend yourself to such creations?"
"Oh yes, yes of course we do and I must say your size, though a bit smaller then most of the Gualic knights, will be very easy to find garments of your choosing, let us start back here. Ah...how many ensembles are you looking for good sir?
As many as strikes my fancy, what do you have in black?"
In about an hour Omensinger came out of the shop with several bags and parcels. He was completely refitted in a pair of new dark brown riding boots that were very shiney, a pair of dark green velvet breeches and a black velvet hauberk that was fortified and trimmed in two tones of supple leather forming a mantle and rebraces and having crossed latticework down it's front. He also wore a dark brown leather belt pair one around his middle and the other attached on the right side and slanting low on his hip to hold his sword. a sheath also attached along the high belt to fit his maine gauche. He wore long dark bracers of the same dark brown supple leather trimmed in lighter brown and put a crowning touch to the outfit.
Omensinger made his way back to Preston's loft. He stopped at a shop he had seen before that sold luggage of all types and got enough to handle his and Lea's things.
He returned as things were just starting to become busy at the shipyard and he knocked on the door of his Friends home.
Preston answered this time and was very happy to see him, inviting him up.
They sat and Omensinger filled him in on the topic of Preston's main interest which was his relationship with Lea and how it was progressing.
Omensinger did fill him in as discreetly as a gentleman could and then made sure Preston had as much information about his findings concerning Count Thornbury and the connection to this Barron Rathbone of Gaulica. He wrote several notes that he gave to his Friend to deliver to key individuals and then settled down to enjoy a bit of breakfast and wait for Lea to arrive.
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Post by Brandwyn on Nov 25, 2010 22:44:47 GMT -5
Katrina nodded to Dougal, "Go ahead, I will just rest for a bit." She closed her eyes as Lea led Dougal to an empty exam room.
"Captain," Lea saluted and then launched into her findings so far. "I believe the King was smuggled out of the country on a Toscano ship called "The Gray Lady" and he is being taken to Gallica." She summarized.
"The ship off-loaded some cargo that led us to a Count Thornbury and that in turn led us to a connection between this Count and a Baron from Gallica. The Baron's device is a two-headed eagle on a gold field. I think he was that Baron I ran into over in Gallica at the end of the war. He seemed to be very influential and rather close to the Crown over there. He obviously has a lot of resources at his fingertips. His name is Baron R. Fallister Rathbone. I suspect he will recognize me if he sees me again."
"Anyway, there is a ship leaving in less than an hour for Gallica and I need to be on it to follow this lead." She debated for a moment on whether to tell Dougal about Omen or not and decided she better go ahead. Withholding information from the Captain of the Special Warfare Corps was never a great idea.
"I have had some help from another agent, Omensinger. He works for the Celtica government, but I am not sure what branch. He did say he had done some work for King Duncan and his mission is to bring the King home. We have been exchanging information and theories." She didn't think she should add anything about her own personal feelings for Omen. That would only make Dougal more suspicious of him. "I believe that we can trust that his interests lie in bringing His Majesty back here."
Lea tried to think of anything else she needed to tell Dougal, and then remembered the gold in the storeroom here in the hospital. "Oh yeah, apparently Thornbury donated some crates full of 'medical supplies' that actually contained some illegally minted and stamped gold bars. They are in a storeroom here in the hospital- uhhh along with an orderly that wanted to play, unfortunately I didn't have time for that." A mischievous look played across Lea's face.
"I guess that is about all. I have to go buy some clothing for the trip, so if it is OK with you, I will be running along now." Lea asked, hoping Dougal wouldn't ask too many questions about Omen.
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Dougal
Apprentice Messenger
Posts: 597
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Post by Dougal on Dec 1, 2010 4:16:59 GMT -5
It seemed as though Lea had outdone herself and, while Dougal kept his face blank, he nodded as she spoke. He had been far to hard on her in the past and, while he would never ask for her forgiveness, he would try to change his attitude towards her, letting her know that she was valued and no longer treating her with the contempt and hatred he had previously shown.
"...His name is Baron R. Fallister Rathbone. I suspect he will recognize me if he sees me again."
The Baron's name triggered something in the back of Dougal's mind, and he frowned for a few seconds as he tried to remember what it was. It came to him in a flash, along with the image of Gallican knights being burnt alive with himself slowly, deliberately, picking off the survivors with his bow. Dougal had never been able to tie Rathbone to the rebellion, but he'd always suspected that he had been involved. If he'd cared more, he might have actually done something about it but, with Gallican politics, he probably wouldn't have made much of a difference.
"I have had some help from another agent, Omensinger. He works for the Celtica government, but I am not sure what branch."
This elicited a much more apparent response, and Dougal's face darkened and he tensed his arm to backhand Lea if she gave any indication that she'd let the Celt onto the fact that the SWC existed. He held his tongue, though, and waited for Lea to hang herself.
"Oh yeah, apparently Thornbury donated some crates full of 'medical supplies' that actually contained some illegally minted and stamped gold bars. They are in a storeroom here in the hospital- uhhh along with an orderly that wanted to play, unfortunately I didn't have time for that."
Dougal's mind was racing. Crates, crates full of gold bars. That was a hell of a lot of gold. Enough, say, to fund an army. Or, perhaps, enough to bribe the way for assassin's into the Court and still have enough to retire on. In fact, there were probably so many gold bars that Dougal could nick enough for him and Katrina to live out their lives and for there to still be enough for official discovery.
His face, softening slightly, Dougal answered Lea's request for permission to chase down the lead, trying to keep any hint of his plans out of his voice. Still, it was a little distracted as he thought about which of his men he could trust to help lift some of the gold.
"Go."
He thought for a few seconds and then realised that he should really let Lea know about the new chain of command.
"Oh, and Lea? You run everything through Greer now. I'm officially off the job."
OOC: I assume that this takes place after the visit from Katrina's parents. If it doesn't, then let me know and I'll work something else out.
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Post by Brandwyn on Dec 2, 2010 21:18:39 GMT -5
Lea saw Dougal tense when she told him about Omensinger. She had been expecting him to explode and she was poised to flee if she needed to. She held up her hands, palms down in a calming gesture, “Don’t worry, I didn’t tell him anything about the SWC. He did guess I was a government agent of some type, but he didn’t pry and said he didn’t want to know.” Lea smirked, “of course he does want to know, but he isn’t pressing me to find out.” She didn’t think Dougal looked all that reassured. “I am being careful. I will make something up if I have to.”
Lea thought she saw a bit of a gleam in his eye when she mentioned the gold, but she wasn’t sure. He was probably just awed by the shear quantity that she had found. Most people would be. Lea herself didn’t set a lot of store in gold. If one had a lot of it, then someone else was always trying to take it away. She would much rather have practical things like plenty of food to eat, a snug place to sleep and a warm body to share it with. She flushed a little as the last two days flashed through her mind and she thought that if she could have anything in the world; it would be just what she’d had the last 24 hours with Omensinger. She couldn’t think of anything finer.
"Go." Dougal’s voice brought her back to the present. She let out her breath, not even realizing she had been holding it. She nodded and turned to leave when his voice stopped her. "Oh, and Lea? You run everything through Greer now. I'm officially off the job.”
Lea’s mouth dropped open in utter surprise and disbelief. “What?” She couldn’t believe her ears, surely they had heard wrong. Dougal was the SWC. No one else could command it, not as far as she was concerned. “What do you mean by that?” she shook her head. “No. No way! You are the commander, not Greer. He is ok and all, but, no.” Lea said angrily and crossed her arms over her chest. She leaned her weight on one foot and began tapping the stone floor with the toes of her other foot. “Who has decided this and what do we need to do to change it?”
As she was trying to figure out the implications of Dougal’s statement a rooster crowed out in the courtyard and Lea glanced out a window. She had to get back to the wharf or she was going to miss the ship. “Damn! I have to catch that ship. Fine then, tell Greer what I am up to, I don’t have time to track him down.” She realized who she was talking to and added a belated, “Please?”
With that she sprinted out of the hospital and to her favorite tailor’s shop. Quickly she bought several items of clothing and a large trunk to store them in. She had to make it look convincing that she was a lady. Snorting at the idea she hired two men to carry the trunk quickly down to the waterfront and deposit it in the lower entryway to Preston’s apartment.
Lea had changed into a fitted dress with long narrow sleeves and a very, very low scooped neckline and full skirts. The dress provided her ample support so that under garments were not needed. Over the lavender linen dress she ware a deep purple woolen coat lined with black mink fur. The coat also flared out from the waist so it could cover her skirts. A Mink handwarmer and a matching parasol completed the outfit. She raced up the stairs and glided right into Omensinger’s arms, hardly pausing to let Preston open the door at her knock.
“Omen!” She breathed, looking up at him with adoration all over her face. Her heart skipped several beats when she first saw him and it took all of her will power not to start tearing his clothes off. “Am I too late? Did we miss the ship?”
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Post by Ringulf on Dec 3, 2010 11:14:28 GMT -5
“Omen!” She breathed, looking up at him with adoration all over her face. Her heart skipped several beats when she first saw him and it took all of her will power not to start tearing his clothes off. “Am I too late? Did we miss the ship?”
"He laughed heartily when he saw her she was a vision of loveliness and the perfect portrayal of lady of minor nobility who though possibly a bit flighty was never the less using her femininity to climb the social ladder and possibly marry into a life of luxury.
To a trained eye many of these affectations were easily seen, she was a remarkably gifted actress and he adored her all the more for it.
"HA HA HA Ah no my Angel you are right on time we are just going to head down to the ship Preston is getting some men together to bring our portage and he an Sandy even said they would accompany us down for the proper effect. And by the way, might I say that you look absolutely stunning!" he leaned into her as he embraced her to whisper in her ear, "Though perhaps you might not be quite as radiant as you were when I kissed you this morning in your half slumber." He nuzzled her earlobe and then straitened back up to play his part once again.
"If we have everything we need let us proceed to the Blackbird!" Omen said with a smile.
Preston and Sandy both warmly greeted Lea and Sandy actually took her arm and walked with her. As they fell behind the men a bit and walked as ladies of leisure sometimes do, she sweetly and playfully spoke with Lea. After a short exchange about weather and fashions of Gaulica and many compliments and questions about Lea's wardrobe, which Sandy seemed to be quite well informed about she made an interesting side comment.
"Douglas told me some things about you....It made me feel that he may think you are the one! Just between us I have to say that I am thrilled I have never seen the boy this happy, even through his normal theatrical personality he is a different man! My dear I will be your staunchest of supporters and could picture you as I would a sister in law, (giggle) that is until the day that you break his heart and then I will be like unto a Harpy from Hell(giggle)" She had said the entire exchange in the same sweet demure voice and looked into Lea's eyes with intensity, caring and perhaps a bit of pleading. Though it was also plain to see that somewhere in the back of her thoughts was also a twinge of jealousy, she seemed to truly care for them both. Her pleasant facade was only slightly in-genuine during her protective threat but it was kinda creepy even still."
"What are you girls twittering about back there?" asked Preston, "Is my sister regaling you with reports of the latest fashion trend of La Rivage M'Lady Lea?"
"Come come Preston my brother! It is not proper to interfere with their "girl talk" you know I have heard that when alone the fairer sex are actually just as bad if not worse than men in their bawdiness in fact it would make you blush to have been hidden among them when they are in such a humor....or so I'm told." Omen looked back at Lea with a wink.
The were just about to the small ship now. She was a beauty too. Her hull was as black and slick as oiled leather and she was piqued and trimmed in gilding of the same gold that one would see on fine jewelry. Her two rather short masts were raked slightly forward, but the yards that held the Lateen sails down in their crutches on the deck were both almost the length of the ship itself. It's captain and crew were dresses in fine black livery trimmed in gold and on there right breast each had an applique of a black two headed eagle on a gold escutcheon.
"Well, at least hui can tella hui 'ave ze right ship!" Omensinger chided loudly having snapped into his character and now using an impeccably accurate accent.
"Bounjour mon capitain cest la grand matin aujoud hui?" Omen said to the captain while extending his hand to clasp with the officer as a formality but also to make an easy showing of the crested ring upon his finger.
"Oui M'Lourd c'est bon matin,...Ahh pleas to come abourd m"lord Valentigne and zis is ze Lady.....?" He looked at Lea for a name to address her by. he spoke in his broken Araluen to be understood by this new woman as he had no prior instructions that the knight he was to transport would be "traveling" with a companion.
When Lea had introduced herself she and Omensinger turned to Preston and Cassandra and made a great show of saying their goodbyes as the luggage was stowed aboard.
As Omen embraced Preston he whispered "Remember get that information to Crowley as soon as possible."
Then they boarded the ship. Omen stopped and looked around "My Mon Capitain zis bird iz made to fly no?
The captain beamed proudly and replied,
"L'ouiseu Nior is built for speed and comfort M'Lourd cum let e show you and ze Lady to your cabin Ah trust you hwil find your appointments quite comfortable, zis way!
Omen offered his arm to Lea and they followed the captain down to their lavishly appointed cabin.
It was somewhat spacious for a ships compartment, obviously the ship was made for the express purpose of transporting important persons quickly and comfortably to their destinations. It was opulently furnished and cushioned and had a sumptuous tray of foods of all types set out that was very elegant and had such dried fruits and meats and pastries that would keep well but were very sustaining and refined. Omen picked up an sugared date and munched approvingly as he places his gauntleted hand upon the large round bed to test the mattresses springiness. This gesture was not wasted on the captain and the man bowed and said, "EEF zer iz anyzing you may require hwile we are afloat, pleez let me know eemediatly and hui hwill do all een our power to make you comfortable sa va?
"Sa va bien mon capitain et merci beucoup a fair" Omen said back as the man shut the rich mahogany door behind him.
He looked at Lea, then at the huge round bed, then lifting his eyebrow suggestively paused a moment...Then scooped her up in his arms and dove onto the cushy platform showering her with kisses.
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Post by Brandwyn on Dec 5, 2010 14:42:14 GMT -5
Lea watched Omen’s backside as she walked arm in arm with Sandy. They chatted pleasantly for a bit, but Lea knew there was something on the girl’s mind.
"Douglas told me some things about you....It made me feel that he may think you are the one! Just between us I have to say that I am thrilled I have never seen the boy this happy, even through his normal theatrical personality he is a different man! My dear I will be your staunchest of supporters and could picture you as I would a sister in law, (giggle) that is until the day that you break his heart and then I will be like unto a Harpy from Hell (giggle)" She had said the entire exchange in the same sweet demure voice and looked into Lea's eyes with intensity, caring and perhaps a bit of pleading. Though it was also plain to see that somewhere in the back of her thoughts was also a twinge of jealousy, she seemed to truly care for them both. Her pleasant facade was only slightly in-genuine during her protective threat but it was kind of creepy even still."
“I am surprised at myself, but I do believe he and I are destined to be together and I have fallen in love with him, God help me!” Her eyes glowed as she looked at Omen as she talked. Then she returned Sandy’s gaze as the girl voiced her warning. Lea had no doubts that Sandy could be a little hellcat if she were ever riled up enough. “I hope that we can become like sisters, I would very much enjoy that.” She said solemnly. “I fear that it will be him breaking my heart, though, not the other way around. I am afraid I am hopelessly lost as I never thought it possible to be.” Lea could tell there was a bit of jealousy in Sandy, but she genuinely cared about Omensinger and was willing to sacrifice her own feelings if that was what would make Omen happy. “Omen is lucky to have such a devoted friend as yourself and I thank you for caring so much for him.” She said, her own veiled way of acknowledging the threat should she ever break Omen’s heart.
"What are you girls twittering about back there?" asked Preston. "Is my sister regaling you with reports of the latest fashion trend of La Rivage M'Lady Lea?"
Lea looked at Sandy and giggled behind her hand, just as she had seen countless noble girls behave, but did not answer. Omen beat her to the response she was about to give.
"Come come Preston my brother! It is not proper to interfere with their "girl talk" you know I have heard that when alone the fairer sex are actually just as bad if not worse than men in their bawdiness in fact it would make you blush to have been hidden among them when they are in such a humor....or so I'm told." Omen looked back at Lea with a wink.
Lea returned the wink but before she could respond they were at the ship. Lea looked over the Gallican ship and nodded in satisfaction. It was a sleek, nice-looking boat and appeared that it could be very, very fast. Lea didn’t know two things about ships, but she had watched enough to determine which ones she liked.
"Well, at least hui can tella hui 'ave ze right ship!" Omensinger chided loudly having snapped into his character and now using an impeccably accurate accent.
"Bounjour mon capitain cest la grand matin aujoud hui?" Omen said to the captain while extending his hand to clasp with the officer as a formality but also to make an easy showing of the crested ring upon his finger.
"Oui M'Lourd c'est bon matin,...Ahh pleas to come abourd m"lord Valentigne and zis is ze Lady.....?" He looked at Lea for a name to address her by. He spoke in his broken Araluen to be understood by this new woman as he had no prior instructions that the knight he was to transport would be "traveling" with a companion.
Lea gave Sandy a hug good bye with a promise that she would look after Omen and attempt to keep him out of trouble, “You know how he is.” She whispered and they giggled again. Then she turned to the captain of The Blackbird – or the L'ouiseu Nior as it was called in Gallica, according to Omensinger.
“Lady Heather Thistledown, Monsignor.” She extended her hand so he could help her aboard and then curtsied as he still held her fingers gently. “But you may call me Miss Heather if you prefer!" She smiled and winked at the Captain flirtingly. "What an absolutely gorgeous ship you have here! She is just adorable and I bet she is very fast, yes?” Lea fluttered her eyes at him. “Oh, but those are probably not the nautical terms you gentlemen use to describe your ‘ladies’, are they? Please forgive me, I do not mean to offend.” She heard the two men who had dragged her trunk from the store drop it heavily upon the deck.
“Hey there!” She raised her voice at them. “Those are my things! Don’t be just throwing them nilly willy about the deck!” She tossed a silver at them as they came back down the gangway. “There, split that between you and tell your mistress thank you for me.” She turned back to the Captain and Omensinger, “I swear, it is so hard to find competent help these days, don’t you think, My Lord?” She grabbed Omen’s arm at his elbow and snuggled up next to him. “I do hope they did not break my looking glass, it was my mother’s and I am going to be quite distraught if it has been damaged.” She winked at Omen as she pouted indignantly.
Then they boarded the ship. Omen stopped and looked around "My Mon Capitain zis bird iz made to fly no?
The captain beamed proudly and replied,
"L'ouiseu Nior is built for speed and comfort M'Lourd cum let e show you and ze Lady to your cabin Ah trust you hwil find your appointments quite comfortable, zis way!
Omen offered his arm to Lea and they followed the captain down to their lavishly appointed cabin.
Lea looked around the cabin approvingly and nodded to the Captain. “It is quite lovely and I am sure it will be just fine.” She said, poking her nose in the compartments that she could figure out the latches on. “How long will our journey be?” She asked casually as she struggled with a strange latch on what looked like it should be a closet door. The Captain showed her how the latch worked and opened the door to reveal a tiny compartment just large enough for a person to stand in, or in this case sit down in. There was a porcelain basin with a carved wooden seat and nothing else in the tiny room. Lea studied it for a moment and then realized that it was their own private urinal. The basin would have to be dumped, but at least she would not have to share the privy with all of the crew. “How wonderful, The Blackbird truly is built for comfort!” She grinned. Then she saw Omen testing the bed and she nearly lost her composure all together. As befitted a demur noble woman, she blushed bright red at the exchange between Omen and the Captain, Omen’s none too subtle hints were not lost on her any more than on the Captain who extricated himself rather quickly from their room.
When the Captain was gone, Omen pounced on her, scooped her up and tossed her on the bed. Lea giggled delightedly and then screeched as he nipped at her ear lobe. “My, what ever are we going to do for the whole voyage, My Lord?” She asked loudly, just in case the captain was lingering outside the door. She had always felt that when undercover it was best to stay in character at all times. One never knew who was watching at any given time.
Softly, when Omen let her come up for air, she asked, “Don’t you think that Baron guy knows ‘you’? Do we have any kind of plan once we get to wherever it is we are going?” In order to keep up their disguises, though she doubted the Captain would hang about outside their door, she giggled again and said aloud, “Oh my! Just what are you doing, Pookie Bear?” she laughed again, “Now? But we must unpack and get settled!” She protested, laughing.
She figured anyone listening outside would likely grow bored fairly quickly and wander off. Hopefully they would be able to speak a bit more freely in the cabin, but somehow she just felt as if they were being spied upon. She had the prickly sensation on the back of her neck that was pretty much always preceding the knowledge that someone was trying to find out what she was up to. They would have to take careful stock of the walls of the cabin to make sure there were not any peepholes.
Maybe she was just being absurdly nervous… maybe.
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Post by Ringulf on Dec 5, 2010 15:30:08 GMT -5
Softly, when Omen let her come up for air, she asked, “Don’t you think that Baron guy knows ‘you’? Do we have any kind of plan once we get to wherever it is we are going?”
"Well fortunately he does not know me though from what you mentioned before, he may remember you. I know I would." he said with a snicker and a raised eyebrow.
"He will know me well enough though when I tell him I killed Valentigne and took his place." He said in a nonchalant manor.
I will be Douglas, posing as Omen, posing as Sir Reginald posing as Sir Valentigne! If he is not confused by all that he will be the only one!
I rarely go more than three layers deep but this one seems to make sense. It will also add to the confusion your identity shall cast, he seems to have an eye for the ladies as I surmised from some of the entries in the journal. Have a care if this man gets you alone somehow, he likes to play dirty. There were some items on some of those tally lists that I can well imagine were entirely for his amusement and not the treatment of his prisoners!"
He had already looked over the cabin for places they could have been eavesdropped from and had closed the flu on the little metal charcoal heater and the two vents that brought fresh air into the cabin, while Lea was talking with the Captain so he was fairly certain that they were safe to speak beside that he felt and heard the sounds and movement that indicated that the vessel was getting underway and that all would be much to busy to concern themselves with them now.
"So..." He said as he picked up a few more delicasies from the platter, "...Your outfit is lovely, remove it!"
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Post by Ringulf on Dec 15, 2010 20:54:06 GMT -5
They had been giving their big round birth a shakedown cruise and the two of them were near exhaustion from their exertions when Omensinger popped up and said,
"Alright you saucy little slacker time we get to work and let the crew see us a bit. Why don't you get in something comfortable and let us take the air on deck for a while OK? And leave your hair just as it is I don't want to have the crew think anything but the obvious as to what we have been up to since we embarked."
"I certainly did enjoy the beginning of this cruise! you are a wonderful traveling companion! I would travel anywhere with you!" He said to his beautiful, spirited lover. He meant every word of it too he was enjoying Lea's company immensely, not just on the physical level, though that had been rather remarkable on all counts, but she was his equal in spirit and enthusiasm, in curiosity and riskiness.
He loved her charm and whit and loved their banter. she had a natural raw intelligence that schools and studies tended to tame. She however was not in any way tame and he loved that about her.
He was determined to seize every opportunity to pleasure her and exact the same from her until the voyage ended, they were going into the lions den this time and they may have hung a rare steak around their necks as this Barron would have the home field advantage.
Omen dressed and watched his comely vixen do a reverse strip tease. It was almost as sensuous watching her put on clothing as it was taking it off!
"I think I may have a plan for getting us into the Barron's graces but you are going to have to come up with a secondary plan in case he does not fall for it. I believe even if he seizes me he will most likely not waste the opportunity of your company. we should prepare for that. If he does accept me it may be easier for you to remain free and at large in the chateau. But Lea even if he accepts me understand that he may still somehow proposition you or force me to offer you to him." Omen said with a deathly seriousness.
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Post by Brandwyn on Dec 16, 2010 23:15:15 GMT -5
So..." Omen said as he picked up a few more delicacies from the platter, "...Your outfit is lovely, remove it!"
Lea arched her eyebrow, crossing her arms and shifted her weight onto one foot in the classic pose of defiance, “and if I refuse? What will you do then, My Lord?” She quipped, trying to keep a straight face, but not quite succeeding.
He wasn’t about to take ‘no’ for an answer, but then Lea didn’t want him to either; she just wanted to make him work for it. They spent several minutes with Lea squealing wildly and giggling every so often as Omen chased her around the small cabin, helping her divest her clothing.
Some time later Omen said, "Alright you saucy little slacker time we get to work and let the crew see us a bit. Why don't you get in something comfortable and let us take the air on deck for a while OK? And leave your hair just as it is I don't want to have the crew think anything but the obvious as to what we have been up to since we embarked."
Lea rolled onto her side and looked at him askance. “What kind of a ‘Lady’ do you think they are going to take me for?” She asked indignantly. “You’ll be giving the crew some ideas!” she shuddered at the thought. There had been times when she made herself scarce when the ships came in. Some of those sailors could be pretty darn rank and this crew was no exception she was sure.
"I certainly did enjoy the beginning of this cruise! You are a wonderful traveling companion! I would travel anywhere with you!"
Lea smiled and kissed him tenderly, “I want to travel with you always and I don’t care where we go, as long as we are together!” Her eyes sparkled as she gazed into his with all the love she felt for him. She was feeling a bit hungry and the cabin had little air flow, so she welcomed the respite for a time and got up and teasingly dressed, deliberately goading Omen as she did so. While she dressed he said;
"I think I may have a plan for getting us into the Barron's graces but you are going to have to come up with a secondary plan in case he does not fall for it. I believe even if he seizes me he will most likely not waste the opportunity of your company. We should prepare for that. If he does accept me it may be easier for you to remain free and at large in the chateau. But Lea even if he accepts me understand that he may still somehow proposition you or force me to offer you to him." Omen said with a deathly seriousness.
Apparently she didn’t have him quite entirely in thrall to her every whim, however as he brought up a point that she was dreading. “I – I am not sure I can. I have heard stories about him. Omen, he is very – hard on his women, they say. I heard stories that some don’t survive his, ummm, appetite. Besides that I don’t want to be with anyone but you. It would be like I am betraying you.” She sat back down on the bed, looking up at him with a hint of fear in her eyes. She wasn’t afraid of the Baron – well not much anyway, but she was afraid that she could lose Omen. She wouldn’t be able to bear that.
“I also am afraid of what he might do to you should he already know this ‘Valentine’ guy when we get to wherever we are going. He is going to know you are not him right off in that case.” Lea said with grave concern. “I couldn’t stand it if something were to happen to you.”
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Post by Ringulf on Dec 16, 2010 23:52:33 GMT -5
This was going to be a difficult conversation. Lea felt the same way about him as he felt about her but they were both professionals and they had a job to do. unfortunately that came before there relationship, this time anyway! He looked her deeply in the eyes and as she sat on the bed looking up at him he put his hands to her face cupping her jaw and chin and smiling at her.
"Lea I love you...I don't want to share your love with any other. I know you feel very much the same. Since that is the case and we have already committed ourselves to this mission, I will have to be able to bear you using your feminine whiles to survive and to complete this mission. Remember it is the King of Araluen we are trying to rescue. If we perish in the attempt it would not be to great a price to our countries. But don't worry I know this man has a reputation for some rather outlandish tastes when it comes to his boudoir, but I know you are the best lover and operative I have ever known and would not be at his mercy regardless. I shall endeavor to make sure he knows right off the horn that I am here to parlay and I know for a fact that he will know I am not Sir Valentigne. That is actually part of my plan. If I have divined this man correctly he will be curious enough to be discreet, so he can learn what I am up to. Showing the type of audaciousness he admires will intrigue him and give us the chance we need to infiltrate his operation.
If that doesn't work we will see what type of swordsman he is.
Now you on the other hand will be foremost in his thoughts as we know his passions, dealing with me while thinking of you could unsettle him enough to be to our benefit. Your part is to find out by any means needed, where he has Duncan and when he is able to be contacted. When we find out those two items and his daily routine, we can devise a plan for his rescue.
And don't worry we are both at the top of our game, We may find some unexpected turns but I am sure we will be able to deal with them.
Now lets go up on deck, I want to examine this ship, her appointments and handling we may just need to know more about her, for our escape, remember this ring is not a round trip ticket!
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 17, 2011 11:37:02 GMT -5
Lea nodded reluctantly, “I hope you are right.” She wasn’t any too sure about the plan herself, but they were both quick-witted and light on their feet. Improvisation was a daily routine for them and they were amazingly good together in many areas. A ghost of a smile played around her solemn face at the thought. Still she had her doubts.
“If he harms a hair on your head he is going to wake up with a nasty knife wound one morning, if he wakes up at all.” Lea promised. “I am not so much worried for me as I am for you, though I confess that I have no desire to discover his tastes in the bedroom. I fear you have quite ruined me for these clandestine operations, Sir Bard!” She grinned at him, shaking off her apprehensions and working to get back into character of a rather bubble-headed, lusty minor noblewoman.
She donned the dress and undergarments that had been rather hastily removed, taking care to make it look like she had dressed in great haste, skipping a button here and there, leaving the top of the petticoat sticking out between her skirt and bodice in one place and leaving her hair completely messed though with the look of hastily being smoothed in an attempt to control the wayward curls that were escaping their bindings. She glanced in the mirror real quick and winked at Omen and nodded her head, “suitably mussed, I should think,” she said and turned to open the door.
Seeing his sword propped by the door, a sudden glint of mischievousness came into her eyes and she grabbed it and dashed off through the door laughing hysterically and ran up on deck, waving the sword teasingly in a show for the sailors.
“I have stolen your sword, My Lord!” she laughed, moving backwards across the deck and brandishing it before her, holding it awkwardly as if she had no clue how to wield it, which really wasn’t all that far from the truth. Swords were not her instruments of choice, though she knew the basics well enough. “What a magnificent sword it is too,” she continued, giggling. “You can do the most amazing things with it!” Her blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight. “I believe I shall keep it!” She hugged the sword to her chest as stepped backward and deliberately tumbled over a neatly coiled rope lying on the deck behind her, toppling into the middle of its rings, the sword cradled carefully in her lap.
“Ow!” She exclaimed loudly, again all for the crew’s benefit. “Who put this dirty thing here?” She asked indignantly picking at the rope with her free hand as her skirts tumbled up around her waist as she landed on her butt revealing her knees and thighs momentarily until she pushed them back down. She pouted at Omensinger and held out her hand to him so he could help her up.
___
The crew that had been on deck had paused as she had burst up onto the deck from down below and grinned at her antics as she had fled from Omensinger. “Tha’s right, Lil’ Missy, keep on a runnin’!” one of the more crude looking sailors grinned at her, “yer on a ship, all yer gonna do is wear yerself out so’s we can all have a go at ya.”
Others hooted and whistled, urging Omensinger to grab her and one was even so bold as to volunteer his help in exchange for a turn with her. Lea scowled at him, looking down her nose contemptuously.
They all roared with laughter when she tripped over the ropes and landed on her butt, leering at her bare legs while they had the chance, fleeting though it was. She shot a glare at them again and they laughed all the harder when she pouted at Omen. Some were obviously hoping he would share, but others quickly returned to their work, knowing that messing with noblewomen was a bad idea, no matter how wonton they were. The two outspoken men continued to stare at her, leering grins on their faces, one even making suggestive gestures toward her.
Lea pretended to ignore them as she marked where they stood and the precise amount of force needed to drive a knife into specific points of their anatomy as she waited for Omen to help her to her feet.
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