Topic: Picking up the pieces

Murelle GreyMantle

Date: 2018-01-10 20:23 EST
Watching the pair leave for the Space Port to check on Mile's runabout, she sighed. She felt little emotion. In fact she was numb. First working her ass off for a well turned out Yule Party, her worry about Miles and his past. She was shocked when he told her he was going to "eat his gun" when he received the invitation thus saving his life. It was no accident that brought him to this small realm. If nothing else but to save her beloved Gwyn from that vile "Roger." She doubted that was his name. She imagined if they ran a scan on him, no doubt more acts like this was committed throughout the Galaxy. This was not his first kidnapping; he had it too well planned out. She was glad the queen finished off the bastard. The terror and anguish she felt, she had to keep under wraps just to make it through the day. She kept on saying, "Everything will be just fine." Hoping if she said it enough she would believe it.

She got the list Miles provided for dinner, pulled on her coat and went to the village. She was greeted many times; of course several wanted to talk about the kidnapping. Murelle tried to be gracious, but all she wanted to do was get the items needed and go back home.

She stood in the confectionary shop where the clerk was regaling his encounter with Roger. She shifted foot to foot as he went on about the experience. Finally, when he drew breath, she excused herself and hurried to the cottage, ignoring the greetings as she went. She couldn't talk about it, so she pushed it down further.

Back at the cottage she dropped the groceries on the counter and took off her coat. She just laid in on one of the chairs in the kitchen. She made sure the stove was well stoked and would hold its heat for quite some time. Her eyes rested on the one bottle that had been opened, but corked shut after a glass was poured. During the party no doubt. She shook her head as if she was dismissing a thought. She puttered around a little bit and without thinking, went to the counter, taking a glass from the cupboard, filling the glass up she drank a few sips. Then drank it straight down. Refilling the glass she went to the armchair. By then the alcohol had eased she felt her frayed nerves calm. Another large quaff. As a result of effects the wine and the warmth of the fire, she felt herself relax.

Tears now started to flow. She sobbed, tears coursing down her cheeks, she made no move to stop the flow with a tissue as the emotions finally caught up with her. She took another sip of the wine; Murelle sat back and stared at the fire. She slowly fell asleep, but her eyes popped open after a mind picture of the ransom note that was tacked to the porch popped into her head. The terror she felt was indescribable. Gwyn had been taken for ransom. But no! Gwyn was safe and with the one person she'd trust completely with both their lives. Miles" she owed him her life. What would have happened if he wasn't there" She was certain the queen would have been a great help, but spacers are different. Those so inclined are violent and have training of some sort. Miles, a badass marine, a trained killer, and from what she gathered he killed his share of all sorts of species. A spacer understands a spacer and Miles knew what to do. She smiled to herself and drained her glass of wine. She didn't get up but dozed in the chair until Miles and Gwyn came home.

Murelle GreyMantle

Date: 2018-01-10 20:26 EST
A crowd of villagers watched as Murelle walked off and return to her cottage. Tongues were wagging.

"Did you notice that the Baroness is a little" standoffish?" Said one woman, her face was red with the cold.

"Lass, she just had her daughter kidnapped and rescued. She is a good mother and was shaken; I wouldn't read too much into it." Replied another.

"What do you think of .... what?s his name, the spacer?" A farmer that had come into town asks.

"I believe I heard the Baroness call him "Miles." Another volunteered.

"You heard he beat 8 of the elven guard." Gasps of astonishment all around. "Oh aye! Single handedly. They tried to arrest him." More exclamations of astonishment was heard.

"I heard that the Captain of the guard put out the arrest order. The queen was furious with him and demoted him."

"Noo?"

"He is odd, he stands out. I don't trust spacers."

"But he saved our Gwyn's life. The kidnapper was a spacer, I'm sure of it. Miles knew what to do." Came a calmer voice. "Remember our Baroness was a spacer."

"But she married one of our own. Llewyss GreyMantle, may he rest in peace. She has settled down too raise Gwyn. I think she's doing a fine job."

"Let's just keep our eyes on this spacer. I don't want any trouble." Said a deep voice. "From what I understand he about beat the kidnapper to death, but the queen actually killed him." ?I'll be polite to him; he is our Baroness's friend. So, it was decided that Miles would be cautiously accepted. Emphisis on cautiously.

Reaper

Date: 2018-01-10 21:29 EST
Miles watched as Gwyn looked around at everything and anything. It was a sensory overload to her as they moved deeper into the space port towards his shuttle. They had stopped at some shops to picked up a few thing.

Miles had gotten Gwyn a set of Jeans, T-shirts, and military grade boots for her to change into before they set out.

"When we get into the shuttle don't touch anything unless I say it is ok." he smiled at her as they entered the black Runabout.

It had only taken 20 minutes for him to check everything. He turned to Gwyn as she walked around the cabin. "Well, i'm done here, what do you say for a little trip to orbit?"

He could have sworn she teleported into the chair next to him. He grinned as he brought up something on the screen in front of her.

"Ok, your going to get clearance for us to make a couple orbits. Press that blinking blue light and just say what is on the screen."

She nodded, She quickly read the screen a couple times to get used to it. Then pressed the Comm light.

"This is Gwyn Greymantle, acting flight office onboard 'The Valhalla' request permission for orbital insertion for fly around. 2 souls on board.'

Gwyn breathed out as the light blinked in confirmation, the grin would not leave her face though.

"Acting Flight Office Greymantle, Valhalla is cleared to depart, winds 12 North. No traffic in your path. Have a safe flight."

Miles smiled and with in moments they were airborne, then making there way into a high orbit.

"Welcome to Orbit My Lady Greymantle. We will orbit a couple times then head back. Next time i will let you do some piloting...Maybe..."

*****

The trip in orbit took about 45 minutes, when they had finally touched down. The tower crew had assembled and had given Gwyn a pair of silver wings for being a flight officer. Gold would be when she piloted the craft. Miles made sure to get pictures of everything they had done that day. They collected the stuff they had ordered and headed back home.

****

Picking up the portal stone as they had arrived back Miles placed his hand on Gwyn's shoulder.

"Gwyn, I want to tell you something." He motioned then to a set of rocks to sit on.

"I know you are still scared about what happened. I want you to know that, that is ok. Everyone is afraid. No matter what they tell you, the trick is for you to control the fear, not to let it control you. My drill instructor used to tell me. "Own the shit Marine. Lock it in and tell it you are in control."

"Fear is a process in ones mind, with practice you can tell your mind that fear is nothing to be afraid of. Just back it away and let me do what i need to. Also, you will always have Death as your champion. No matter what."

Murelle GreyMantle

Date: 2018-01-12 01:52 EST
Murelle woke up as the pair of them burst through the front door. Gwyn was all excited. She jumped up and down as she regaled Murelle with her adventure with Miles and his runabout. The number of dials and lights dazzled her, then showed her the pin the crew of the Space Port. That made her day. Miles just laughed and went into the kitchen to make supper. Murelle laughed as well and had to restrain herself from going in to "Help." But not wishing to be parted from Miles, Gwyn followed him in there chattering away. There was quite a bit of noise coming from the kitchen, a giggle now and then followed by a laugh. They were teasing each other with utensils and Murelle heard the table being set.

Miles has been good for her, not just because he rescued her from "Roger", but he took her out of her shell. Gwyn had a natural shyness that sometimes hindered her in finding friends. She has a lot of acquaintances but only a couple close friends. The smells from the kitchen made Murelle hungry. She hadn't eaten but about a couple pieces of toast and coffee with Miles for breakfast.

"Dinner's on!" Miles called out.

"Well, let's see what we got here." As Murelle entered the kitchen.

Murelle looked over the table. What was there looked delicious. She ate slowly, not saying much but listening with interest. This is the first meal she really had since the kidnapping, and her appetite basically disappeared. The spacer/reaper/marine can cook! She took more helpings of the offered dinner; finally she sat back with a sigh.

"That was excellent. Thank you Miles."

Murelle GreyMantle

Date: 2018-01-12 02:10 EST
Murelle knew Miles would have to return to his life sooner or later, and she was afraid it would be sooner, she hoped it would be latter. She got used to him being around and the cottage will be a little forlorn after he left. And how will Gwyn react' That worried her.

One other thing that Murelle worried was Gwyn's continuing nightmares. At least once a night. If something or someone mentioned anything about the kidnapping, and she went to bed, they were worse. More than once either Murelle or Miles went to the poor girl and calm her down. Maybe she needed to have that terror removed from that memory. This was running through her mind when Miles joined her at the fireplace with a steaming cup of coffee. She reached over and patted Miles on the knee. They sat in silence. They could hear Gwyn singing in her bedroom. This made Mure smile.

"It's been so nice to have you here."

"I'm glad I came."

"So am I. I am convinced that your arrival was meant to be."

He looked at her. She had said it before and she meant it. She went on;

"Tomorrow, I'm taking Gwyn to go to the queen to remove the terror from her memories. She'll remember them, and learn from them, but the terror will be removed,

She looked at him earnestly.

"Want to go??

Reaper

Date: 2018-01-13 14:30 EST
"Want to go?" Miles smiled and turned to his friend. "Sure....I have something to ask of the queen as well." He just smiled at her.

****

After a short while they had arrived at the gates and were promptly let in. They nodded to those who acknowledged them. They were passing by the stables when Miles heard the distinct sound of a spare session. He stopped and looked over to the center area and saw a young stable hand using a quarter staff.

Miles watched for a moment before shaking his head. He had made his way closer to the practicing stable hand.

When they brought there staff down to a low arc. Miles quarter staff had extended and smashed into the ground, stopping the wooden one with a bong sound.

"You over commit your swing. You treat your staff as a weapon." He started to correct there stance and stopped and looked down when he had touched there shoulder. The Stable hand let out a wince of pain but stood up straighter.

"Treat your staff as an extension of your body, when you move it moves with you. Not you just moving it through the air."

He showed them some simple moves, swinging his staff high, then arcing low. It was all fluid in motion. "Your stance should be your feet lined up with your shoulders. That offers you better balance."

Miles showed them some more Technics for a few moments. When he was done he leaned down and whispered something into there ear.

He stood back up and smiled. "You know where I am staying. If you need anything..." He nodded and started to walk away, his staff reducing back to size and sliding back into it's holster.

There was a clapping heard from one of the alcoves, as Gwindor stepped out of the shadows..

"You just can't stop bringing your ways into our realm can you. You are corrupting Lady Gwyn with your spacer ways. You are still corrupting Lady Murelle..." Miles smirked.

"Trust me, Former Captain of the Guards Gwindor. If Lady Mure had been corrupted by me, should would be limping here today, or not able to walk at all. As such, I have to much respect, and Honor for her husband and her to do anything of the sort. As for Lady Gwyn, she is of age and can choose her own path. "

He stalked up to the former Captain. "I am Senior Master Sgt. Miles Grimm. Colonial Marine Corps. I have seen things that would make your toes curl. I am highly decorated Marine. I am the guarding of the line between darkness & Light." He stood up straighter...

"I am the thing the monster under the bed fear. I am Reaper..." He poked him in the chest. "Former Captain of the Guards. You sir are afraid of the darkness, You fear the unknown, you fear change, and those who do not conform to what you think they should be. But that is who you are."

Miles looked around. "Former Captain of the Guards Gwindor. I Senior Master Sgt, Miles Grimm, Colonial Marine corps forgive you for your transgressions."

Miles turned, winked a the stable hand and moved next to Mure to continue there journey.

As they approached the main doors. "Can you find out who that stable hand was..." He paused for a moment. "She is in trouble and needs help." He whispered the last part. He didn't think she wanted it known, hence why her hair was up in her hat and she was hiding her other female assets.

"She showed pain when i put my hand on her shoulder, I saw some bruises on her shoulder, under her shirt."

Miles didn't know why but he felt he would be seeing the young lass again...

QueenTeleperien

Date: 2018-01-13 19:25 EST
Looking out a window Queen Teleperien watched Miles as he confronted Gwindor. She knitted her brows together in concern. Not so much for Gwindor but for Miles. Gwindor is a warrior himself, and fought beside her in many conflicts. She was terribly disappointed with him for going over her head and issuing an arrest of Miles. That led to his demotion. She hoped she would be able to restore him to that position, but she had to wait and see if he learned anything from this.

She walked to the hallway and to the large set of double doors. She opened the door and called out to Miles, Murelle and Gwyn to

"Come in from the cold!"

This tactic was meant to calm the tension and separate Miles and Gwindor. He towered over Miles, most elves were taller than humans and they had record reflexes. It was a wonder that Miles beat the elves as well as he did. She was worried; a well placed arrow could kill Miles without knowing what hit him.

She watched as Miles turned to join Murelle and Gwyn and followed the queen into the castle. Gwindor's eyes never left Miles.

QueenTeleperien

Date: 2018-01-13 20:44 EST
Teleperien turned to look at Murelle. "Well, Baroness, that was some drama last week." "Drama" It had to be the most terrifying thing has ever happened to me. I've faced a lot of challenges when I was a spacer and faced with terrible ordeals. But nothing could compare with the kidnapping of my daughter."

The queen laid her long hand on Murelle's shoulder; she felt the warm flow of peace flow to her heart. She smiled up at the queen and followed her to the study. She bade them to sit and pulled the cord. Almost immediately a servant, Rose, appeared in the doorway. The queen ordered tea for four. They just had small talk, the weather, the party and incidentals. Finally the tea was delivered. She closed the door, turned and sat in her chair, poured cups of tea and passed them around. It was the tea of Eldicor, golden, rich in flavor and was the queen's favorite. It had a pleasant smell and had a rich flavor that was meant to calm the soul. She was glad Murelle kept it growing in her garden.

"Now what brings you here today?"

Murelle spoke up. "Lady, Gwyn has been having terrible nightmares from her kidnapping. Almost one a night, sometimes two. Do you think you could help her?"

"Yes." Tele answered. Very gently she said to Gwyn. "Do you want to stop having bad dreams?"

Gwyn was sitting very quietly, holding the tea cup tightly in her hands. She looked up at the queen with wide eyes. "You can stop them?"

"Yes. Let me call for Erwyn. She will help; she is an empath and will be able to tell me if I have all of the terror removed."

Murelle nodded her consent, so Tele pulled the rope once more and a soft knock was heard and the door opened. It was Rose again. "Yes Lady?"

"Could you find Erwyn and send her to my study?"

"Right away Lady."

Murelle squeezed Gwyn's hand. She was trembling. She must have been terrified by all of this. It wasn't long before Erwyn arrived. At once her eyes went to Gwyn.

"I am so glad you were rescued from that horrible person. But I can see you are still terrified. Have you been able to get out and go to a friend's house?"

Gwyn shook her head slowly. "I'm afraid to." Came the small reply. "I hate alleys and I have to pass them to go anywhere, except with Mom or Miles. Gwyn gave a smile to Miles. A soft chuckle came from the queen.

"Well, let's take care of it. Close your eyes and relax."

The queen watched as Gwyn closed her eyes and sat back in her chair. She was still trembling but that eased once the queen laid her hands on her head. At once Gwyn started to cry. The queen dove into the memories that haunted the girl. The shock of being grabbed and pulled into the alley and overcome by the kidnapper. Waking up sick from the sleeping agent. His lack of emotion scared her. He had no conscious and was unafraid of being caught. He gloated over her and gave her another dose of the sleeping agent and went unconscious at once. She woke up at the sound of conflict some of the bonds had been cut, so she was able to sit up. To her amazement Miles or she thought herself Reaper was beating her kidnapper to a pulp. More than once they came close to her and she was terrified that they would harm her during their fight.

Finally, it was done. Her adversary was lying in a heap on the barn floor, bleeding profusely.

Miles cut the rest of her bonds and Miles picked her up and handed her to those who had gathered at the door watching the fight and rescue of Gwyn. She watched as Miles collapsed in the snow just outside the barn. She watched anxiously as her mother turned him on his back and pressed on the wound, but it wouldn't stop bleeding. After a while, an elf picked up the knife that wounded Miles and examined it.

"There is something on this blade. Mayhaps this is why the wound wouldn't heal in a natural way, it's keeping the blood from stopping."

"I wish I had my med kit! I didn't think of bringing it." Murelle looked around to see if the queen was there. She was not. Gwyn was growing fearful and her hands were on her cheeks. Finally the queen had joined them and healed the wound in Mile's side. Gwyn could feel the fear of his death leave her and after he asked for her, she dashed to him and tackled him in a huge hug.

The queen had actually killed "Roger" to keep this horrible person do this to another. Though Gwyn knew these things, she still felt the terror and anxiety associated with the kidnapping. The queen spoke in a very soft voice.

"Your fear and anxiety is real, listen to my voice Gwyn, and follow it. Your adversary is gone; he has no hold on you?" Gwyn felt a warm flow that started from the top of her head down to her feet. She felt her toes curl. She felt the queen ease the terror that had been in the back of her mind. She realized that she felt the terror was easing and her anxiety was diminishing. Her tears started again as she felt the release of the terrible memories and terror associated them. At last the queen removed her hands. She opened her eyes and for once since the kidnapping she felt calm and relaxed. She smiled at the queen.

"Thank you Lady."

"You are welcome."

Gwyn got up and hugged her mother than Miles. She felt her heart was lighter and she felt no fear. She remembered what happened, but she was no longer afraid. What a miracle.

Erwyn spoke up. "Her memories are healed; I don't feel the terror and the anxiety. It is complete. Gwyn, you won't forget what happened, but you will be able to cope much more."

The princess turned her attention to Murelle. "You have suffered too, but as an adult you could cope with the kidnapping with more skill than Gwyn. But you still have terror and you are stuffing your emotions and fear. Am I right?

Reaper

Date: 2018-01-13 20:58 EST
Miles watched with rapid interest. While they spoke to Mure he stood up and nodded to the queen. His eyes danced towards the balcony outside.

He walked over and leaned on the railing. Taking in the scene that was before him. He watched the young stable boy....Err Girl continue her work with the staff. Each move was painful from the lash marks on her back and bruises covering her body.

"Tabitha, or Tabby is her name. He parents were lost to her many years ago."

Miles felt the queen's approach but said nothing. "She has skill, with training she could be a fine warrior."

He wanted to ask her for help, but he didn't want to impose his memories onto her.

QueenTeleperien

Date: 2018-01-13 21:36 EST
The princess turned her attention to Murelle. "You have suffered too, but as an adult you could cope with the kidnapping with more skill than Gwyn. But you still have terror and you are stuffing your emotions and fear. Am I right?"

Murelle couldn't deny it. She didn't suffer from bad dreams like Gwyn, but her terror at Gwyn's kidnapping gripped her like a vise. Though Gwyn didn't go anywhere without Miles or Murelle, Murelle was more or less keeping Gwyn close by. She was in denial about her emotions, but the princess was rarely wrong, and she felt herself nod her head without knowing it.

"Do you want help Baroness?" The queen asked quietly. She felt her head nod again as if it were automatic.

"Close your eyes?"

Murelle did so and felt the hands of the queen on her head. At once Murelle felt a warm sensation start from her head and it slowly reached her toes. She felt herself relax and heard Tele's voice....

"Your enemy is passed, he is dead. He will never harm another soul." The stuffed emotions that were temporarily eased by a couple glasses of wine became very evident to her again. She felt the easing of her mind, and like Gwyn, tears started to roll down her cheeks. The discovery of the ransom note, the terror of realizing she was kidnapped, she took on the role of spacer again. It was without thought. She had many that came to help with Gwyn, and she took comfort in that. There was that chance that Miles could be killed.

She felt the anxiety leave her, the fear was gone. She felt the hands leave her. Murelle opened her eyes and fell upon the queen. She wiped the tears with the back of her hand and smiled. Her mind was clear again, the anxiety and worry was gone. She looked at Erwyn.

"Well, our empath' Am I cured?" Mure chuckled.

"I believe you are Baroness." Erwyn grinned. She got up and gave the queen a hug. "Thank you Lady."

The queen looked at Miles. "Well, how about you since you're here." Murelle held her breath as Miles came back in and looked at the queen. "I don't want to impose my memories on you."

"You would not, I'm stronger than I look." The queen said with a smile. Erwyn piped up. "You have many memories and you suffered torture did you not' The queen can heal you from the pain left from the torture and what memories you had. It will be more difficult, you've suffered for a long time. Do you want to be released from these memories" You will not forget them, but they will not have a hold on you. You will sleep through the night without bad dreams. You are plagued with past regrets and how many you have killed. You are a trained killer and dangerous when provoked. "

Erwyn paused and went on. "This will not affect your fighting skills, but will help them. You will be free of the bondage of your past.?

The room went silent and four sets of eyes studied Miles as he thought it over.

Reaper

Date: 2018-01-14 15:56 EST
Erwyn paused and went on. "This will not affect your fighting skills, but will help them. You will be free of the bondage of your past."

The room went silent and four sets of eyes studied Miles as he thought it over.

Miles slowly nodded. "No one is ever truly free from the past. If you can at least separate the emotional aspect of the memories then I will be able to go on."

He settled down onto the chair that he had been in before. His thoughts wondered to Tabatha for a moment. Maybe there was something he could do to help her get out of the situation she was in. He had seen the fear in her eyes as she looked around to see if anyone saw her talking to him.

He watched as they approached him. He breathed out and nodded. Closing his eyes to get ready..

QueenTeleperien

Date: 2018-01-15 17:13 EST
Murelle was thrilled. Miles was going to do it. She cried; "YES!" Before the queen could reach Miles she gave him a hug and tears were flowing again she was so happy. "Miles, you will not regret it." He chuckled when Gwyn him a hug too. Gwyn grinning ear to ear and also ran up to give him a hug.

"I love you!" She exclaimed with a happy lilt to her voice. He didn't answer right away and drew her into a hug. "I love you and I would be happy to if your mother approves." "I do." Murelle answered...."Okay enough of the mushy stuff we got work to do."

"Right." Miles answered, he seemed a little apprehensive, after all these memories had been with him for years and in some ways made him what he is today. A Marine, highly decorated and a badass. But he suffers insomnia from the dreams that haunt him daily. His torture and life on Mars, his life on earth as Marine wasn't a bed of roses either. The only escape was his place in Alaska. Murelle would love to visit there someday. The queen laid her hands on his head. "Close your eyes Miles and relax." She said softly, her voice was gentle and musical. Very soothing. She entered his psyche. At once she was slammed with memories that had been stored for years. She dug further down; a soft groan came from her. She felt Miles try to stand....she said in a soft voice.

"It's alright Miles. I'm fine. Please relax. I am fine. This is work."

She resumed her work, her hands started to glow then it turned translucent. His life on Mars, his constant fight with fellow marines and his attachment to a female marine nicknamed "Razor" He felt anguish and fear for her more than once. They became lovers after bonding through their trials and being fugitives. She felt his rage and betrayal by fellow marines, she healed surrounding the anger and sorrow and lifted it from his mind. More and more scenes appeared. The queen doubled down on her link with Miles. So many hurts, the people he killed, those who he fought with and received many wounds. Tele marveled he was still alive.

Then came the torture. She heard herself gasp as she saw in her mind's eye the methods they used on him. She held Miles firmly in place when she felt him try to stand again. "Miles, your torture needs to be healed, it is deep, but I can reach it." She said firmly, her voice still musical. "Do not fear, it can be handled." He relaxed back in his chair and Tele resumed. The pain that he still felt was easing away. The white lines that cress-crossed his body was fading and was gone. The torture was brutal, not just the physical. He was hurting. Aches that he tried to ignore but when his mind isn't actively working or asleep there is no barrier between his painful memories She found broken bones and concessions, was wounded with what Tele could only guess was a gun. These were foreign to her.

"You must have suffered greatly. I see your tormentors gloat over your suffering. I hope they got what they deserved." Miles gave a low laugh. "Oh yeah they did." The queen went deeper. During this time back on earth, his time with his sister and Razor in Alaska. His anguish was lessoned during this time. He was then sent back to Mars to destroy some building that held terrible violence, experiments on persons who lived there and unknown to most, biological experimentation with human duplication. A barbaric practiced of creating was taken from those in the station and Miles and Razor was among them. During the raid to destroy the building they found a child. She was unresponsive and looked like she was in total shock.

"You have a daughter you never knew you had. It was a surprise to you and was angry that it was hidden from you. She was being bred to become a weapon, the ultimate killing machine. That in it would send me into a rage."

The queen felt the anger and she removed the anger. He seemed to relax a little bit. "You have developed a love for children. You would protect your daughter like you protected Gwyn. And not just children but those who you've you care for."

Once more Tele also saw how very violent he could be if provoked. She then concentrated on healing. She closed her eyes and her hands started to softly glow turning to a high intensity. The queen felt the hold the memories still stuck with him but cleansed from the guilt he felt, the memories of his life as a marine. Tele then pushed with all her strength the overriding the anguish he felt during his torture that held him captive for so many years ago. His continual nightmares would not plaque him, but will make him stronger in mind and body. He resorted to violence and anger for his own survival and for those he cared for. As it was shown when he rescued Gwyn. He was dangerous,no doubt, but he had to control it. His anger made him what he was, but it needed to be in control. Tele knew she could do it' Just took work. Finally she was finished. He was still a marine; she didn't remove that, but removed the bitterness, sorrow, and anger he felt deep down. Emotions that were deep and she had picture in her mind's eye and each and every memory was covered with healing, calming touch. Finally, it was finished. The queen stepped back with a sigh. She looked spent.

"You were a tough nut to crack, but I believe you will sleep well tonight. How do you feel now marine?"

Reaper

Date: 2018-01-15 20:18 EST
"You were a tough nut to crack, but I believe you will sleep well tonight. How do you feel now marine?"

Miles felt....Relief, a Clarity of mind....He breathed out a breath he had been holding onto.

"Better, i still have the memories, and some feelings attached to them, but it is like a thought in the back of my head kinda thing."

He took a sip of his tea and just smiled at Mure, & Gwyn.

'Thank you.."

Murelle GreyMantle

Date: 2018-01-17 17:05 EST
"Thank you? Was all He needed to say. Murelle was thrilled, she felt better as if a weight was taken off her shoulders. She was worried about him and his terrible memories.

The healing may not be perfect, but he will see a difference when he sleeps. But will still be a Marine no matter what. They made small talk then Mure and Miles stood to take their leave.

"Wait! Would you like to join me for supper?" The queen asked. Murelle looked at Miles;

"What do you say' I would love to." Gwyn looked thrilled and Miles gave a nod with a smile.

"It would be an honor,"

"I usually eat in my apartment, so the staff won't have to open the dining room." She said happily. "Come!"

Murelle followed holding Gwyn's hand and Miles trailing behind her, looking around with great interest. Finally they came to Tele's apartment. The two guards stood to attention, but one glared at Miles. Miles ignored the stare but focused his attention on the queen. She unlocked her door and ushered them in. She pulled a cord that hung from a hole next to the door. Quickly, a knock came and Tele opened the door. It was Rose.

"I would like dinner please. Also please include three others. I've invited them to dinner."

Rose looked surprised; no one has ever taken their meal with her before. She quickly regained her composure and said. "Right away Lady."

Instead of tea, she pulled out a bottle of elven wine. It was clear but it warms the heart and soul of those who drink it. She pours each a glass, except Gwyn. She got a fruity drink that eased her and put her in a good mood. Not that she was in a bad mood since her healing, but this topped the cake.

She hugged Miles again; she got up the nerve to hug the queen. The queen smiled widely and hugged her back.

Dinner arrived and they sat around the small dining table, just enough room for all of them. What a spread, soup, roasted meats, sliced cheese, breads, salads and of course dessert.

Murelle was hungry. She didn't eat a whole lot after Gwyn's kidnapping, except for the delicious meal Miles made. Otherwise her appetite was gone. The healing helped with her appetite. She was already slender, but she didn't want to get too skinny.

Gwyn was chattering away about Eliza, the townsfolk and about Miles taking her on a ride in his run about.

"It was so exciting! I saw stars I never saw before. It really was beautiful."

Both Murelle and Miles were quiet and spoke seldomly. Murelle was just relaxed and at peace. She didn't want to break that spell. She noted that Miles was quiet too. But he isn't the chatty type, so she didn't worry about it. She guessed he felt at peace for the first time in a long time. Perhaps since he stayed in Alaska, where he was reunited with his family. She had never been to Alaska, she hoped to visit Miles there someday and meet his family.

After the dinner, they drank a final glass of wine in front of the fireplace. Murelle drained her glass.

"It's getting late." Murelle said. I guess we should be getting back. Thank you so much for your help and hospitality.

"I am happy to be of service." Teleperien answered. She walked them to the door. "Come visit any time, you will be most welcome."

With that, they left the apartment, she heard one of the guards hiss as Miles walked by. Evidently the news of the beating of the guards had not made him a very popular person. They were reserved with Murelle, but openly wondered why she would associate with such a person so inclined to violence. Murelle turned and gave the guard an angry look. That was totally uncalled for. He shifted in his stance and looked straight ahead. The Baroness did have his respect, but still wondered why she would have him in her home. Would he resort to violence with her"

Murelle followed Miles and Gwyn who too noticed the cold reception that Miles got from the castle staff. She was unhappy with that. Thankfully Borin and Erwyn didn't hold anger toward him. He rescued Gwyn, their favorite. Obviously the queen felt the same way. They passed through the double doors and into the courtyard. It was empty. Most were on duty or taking supper. The guard called out their greeting to Murelle. Suddenly a figure stood in their way. It was Gwindor..

"I suggest you never come back to the castle" Reaper" there will be a price on your head. Murelle was shocked.

"Gwindor, that's enough." Murelle retorted angrily. "He was a guest of the queen and you have no authority to keep him from her presence. Gwindor answered just as hotly.

"Why do you keep company with such a foul person?" Gwindor asked.

"He saved my life, he saved Gwyn's life. He is a Marine and is trained to maim and kill. I suggest you keep your distance. "She looked at Miles and Gwyn, "Let's go home.?

Reaper

Date: 2018-01-18 07:23 EST
"He saved my life, he saved Gwyn's life. He is a Marine and is trained to maim and kill. I suggest you keep your distance. "She looked at Miles and Gwyn, "Let's go home."

Miles nodded, knowing this wasn't going to be the end of it.

He stopped, with out even turning around. "It doesn't matter what you say, or who you say it to. It doesn't matter to me, because you don't matter to me. You are nothing but a 7 foot tall Ape, who thinks he could beat me in a fight and all the boasting you do to anyone with an ear to listen will scare me away."

Miles just smirked, his body still turned away from the former captain of the guards...

"I'm going now. Not because of you, but because i'm done playing with a giant man child."

With that, Miles went and caught up with Mure and Gwyn. Not even bothering to look back.