Topic: The Princess and the Pirate

Erwyn

Date: 2007-02-22 15:12 EST
Watching her mother and Philippe leave the courtyard, Erwyn knitted her brows together. Their footsteps were so different. Teleperien hardly left a mark as she walked atop the snow, but Philippe's boots dug deep tracks. A small flash of insight came to Erwyn. How the steps illustrated the differences between the two. She, the white queen of a realm albeit small, had it's rule. Her life is rather mundane, seeing to matters that would keep the peace. It was a heavy responsibility even if it was not apparent.

Philippe as dark as she was light. A vulcan personality, fiery, a deep running passion that would erupt with the force of the volcano that sat on the eastern mountains that lined the borders of Eldicor. He loved adventure and chaffed at being held in one place. They made an unlikely pair.

"Erwyn!" Amanda burst into Erwyn's musings. Erwyn looked at Amanda with a start.

"Are you well Erwyn?" Amanda noticed her reverie and knitted brows.

"Of course!" She answered her smile once more in place. She raised her arms up and fell backwards into the snow and proceeded to make a snow angel. Mystic quickly followed suit, Amanda a little less enthusiastic joined them. Once this was done, they got up, snow clinging to their cloaks. Amanda looked cold. She made a suggestion to find a warmer occupation.

"Do you want to visit the stables?"

"Yes! Good idea." Erwyn answered enthusiastically. They tramped through the snow. As she was half-human, she didn't share her mother's ability to walk atop the drifts.

Once inside the stables, they found the stable hand, Osgood, lifting hay into the troughs with a large pitchfork. He was very much different than the boys that ran errands and messages for the queen and her staff. Rather skinny, long legged and graceful as newborn colts. Osgood was shorter but well muscled from pitching hay and mucking stalls. He had dark curly hair, a strong face with an easy smile. Erwyn secretly admired him.

Osgood went about his chores while the girls stroked horses and fed them wrinkled apples. Erwyn and Amanda took turns lifting Mystic so she could do the same thing, she being a small girl.

"Come." Osgood said when he was finished. "Let me show you our newest addition."

Curious, they followed the stable hand as he moved to the back of the stables into the shelter that housed pigs, cows and chickens. He stopped at a stall that had a low-lying gate. In the stall was a white and black cow placidly chewing her cud, but next to her was a smaller version of the cow. Erwyn had never seen this before.

"Oooh...what is that?" She asked with an eager face.

"This is a calf." Osgood explained. "He was born last night."

The calf staggered over to his mother, butted the sack that hung under her hindquarters.

"Why is he hitting his mother?" Amanda asked wide-eyed.

"Watch! See" He is trying to get his mother's milk." Osgood explained while the calf started to nurse. The fun was interrupted by a commanding voice. A stable master strode forward.

"Osgood. Have you finished with the horses?" A tall, sandy blonde haired man strode up to them.

Osgood straightened and nodded. "Aye that I have. I was showing the princess our new calf."

Erwyn turned to look the newcomer. He stopped suddenly and bowed to her, hand on breast. Erwyn returned the bow with a nod. "Good day." She said with a smile. "I have never seen a calf before. What is your name?"

"Jamie your highness."

"Oh, call me by name. I am Erwyn. But I see we are interfering with your work. Please excuse us.? She said without pretense. The girls turned and made their way out of the stables.

Erwyn

Date: 2007-03-04 16:19 EST
Stepping out of the warmth of the stables the air seemed colder than it really was. It was snowing again. Fat flakes drifted down in peaceful silence, starting to cover the paths that were formed by errand runners, guards and other castle inhabitants. Erwyn stuck her tongue out catching a snowflake. Happiness welled up in her. As Xenograg had observed she had the energy of youth, a streak of impish mischief and the perchance of being a bit of a tomboy.

Erwyn lifted her arms out to her sides and twirled around and around. She closed her eyes enjoying the sensation. As she did so, she slammed into something solid. Opening her eyes and to her embarrassment it was Philippe. Feeling her cheeks burn, Erwyn backed away stammering her apologies.

"Please pardon me." She said nodding her head to him in a respectful manner.

"It is nothing." Philippe replied with a smile. He patted her shoulder and went on his way. The three girls watched him stride across the courtyard.

"He is very handsome." Amanda said with a sigh.

For a moment Erwyn didn't answer, watching Philippe disappear into one of the turrets. Erwyn had noticed he goes up to the wall on a regular basis to gaze out at the sea..."Don't you think so Erwyn?" Amanda persisted.

Erwyn looked at Amanda. "Oh yes." She replied and tried to think of what they could do next.

Philippe de Bouillon

Date: 2007-03-10 13:26 EST
Captain Philippe de Bouillon loved his daughter-in-law. He loved her for who she was, independent of her being related to him through marriage. He saw an adventurous spirit within her, a love for life, and a zest for excitement which he could relate to.

Castles are not friendly places for the frail, and he was pleased that he still had the strength of a man in his prime. Yet always in the back of his mind was the thought that he'd soon grow old whilst his wife would always remain as ravishing beautiful as she is now. Philippe wondered if she'd love him when he's old and frail and can no longer navigate the castle halls without the aid of a cane. The young men of the castle climbed two steps at a time, while the old men with bad hips struggled in torment over each.

He dismissed the thought and briskly bounded up the stone steps of the castle to the parapets and looked out toward the sea. The wind blew his black hair away from his face and he breathed in deeply, the familiar scent of the ocean filling his airways. The winter weather would soon break and the spring winds would arrive, beckoning the sails of ships to come forth and play.

His thoughts went back to Erwyn. She was getting old enough. He wondered if she would enjoy a short trip at sea, maybe to even visit another area of the princess? kingdom. It was time to see if her spirit of adventure went beyond snowballs and snow forts. He could give her responsibilities and see how she'd handle them.

He smiled and decided to talk to Teleperien about this.

But first he would enjoy the smell of the ocean for awhile longer.

Erwyn

Date: 2007-03-10 18:14 EST
Erwyn, Amanda and Mystic pondered their next occupation. None were ready to go back inside yet, so they decided to walk around the castle grounds. Behind the castle lay the kitchen garden, a pile for dung from the stables, firewood, and a pond to haul water to the garden during a dry spell. Tracks of the servants and stable hands criss-crossing each other, and tracks of other creatures had been there. Rabbit and deer was the most obvious. Coming up from the forest to the garden in hopes to find something to graze.

Beyond the castle grounds lay a thick forest. Dark pines contrasted with the bare birch and elm, their branches covered with snow.

"Want to slide on the pond?" Erwyn asks.

"You think it's safe?" Says Amanda.

"Oh, it's been cold a long time, you see there are no tracks to the pond because they can't break the ice."

Reluctantly Amanda followed holding Mystic's hand. They stopped at the edge of the pond. Carefully Erwyn stepped on to the ice. She heard creaks in the ice as she ventured further, Erwyn looked at her friends.

"See!?" Erwyn called out. She walked a little quicker as she grows more confident. "It's.."

Erwyn didn't have a chance to finish her sentence. Under her feet the ice broke under her weight. Freezing, dark water swallowed her up, at once the tendrils of cold wrapping about her. With all her strength she had she kicked to the surface gasping for air. Erwyn tried to cling to the onto the ice only to have the ice break again. Once more Erwyn went under. Unclasping her cloak she allowed it to drift to the bottom of the pond. It was easier now to kick back to the surface.

It was so cold.

Strength waning Erwyn gives another effort. Breaking through, Erwyn felt panic starting to grip her. The water had its prisoner and was not going to release its prize. "Elbereth!" She heard herself cry out, vaguely aware of a hubbub at the shore. She had no more fight left. She went under without a struggle this time, water filling her mouth and into her lungs. Loosing consciousness she didn't feel the hand grab her gown and haul her out of the water.

Philippe de Bouillon

Date: 2007-03-10 20:44 EST
Philippe had come down from the parapet, intending to get his horse and ride down to the docks to inspect the ships. He had just begun to walk to the stables when he heard the screams of the young girls coming from around the castle. He turned and ran toward the direction of the shouts for help; his long, booted strides taking him quickly over the snow covered grounds.

Philippe came around the corner and saw Amanda and Mystic at the edge of the ice-covered pond, and the flail of arms coming up from a break in the ice. His heart pounded in fear. They could only be the arms of Erwyn.

By the time he reached the edge of the pond his coat was already off of him, the flailing had stopped, and there was nothing in the hole in the ice except freezing water. Philippe couldn't run upon the ice, so he used the momentum of his run and dove forward, sliding across the ice upon his belly. He nearly slid past the break in the ice, but managed to grab the edge with his left hand, spinning himself around.

The French pirate immediately pulled himself headfirst into the water. The cold cut through him like a thousand knives and the sounds in his ears were the eerie underwater creaks of ice straining and bubbles rising, giving a macabre peace to a fearful and deadly situation.

He saw Erwyn sinking to where her cloak was already lying on the sandy bottom. His hand reached out and caught her gown, then pulled her to himself. He immediately lifted her up and pushed her through the hole in the ice, laying her body on top of it. Without waiting to go the short distance to the shore, he laid her on her side and cleared her airway. She wasn't breathing, so he put her on her back, lifted her chin, and began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. By the second breath she was coughing and spitting out water from her lungs.

Philippe wasted no time. He picked up Erwyn over his shoulder and broke ice all the way to the shore, trying to get out. When he reached the shore he lowered Erwyn into his arms and asked Amanda for his coat.

Erwyn was shivering uncontrollably and couldn't even talk. He wrapped his coat around her, picked her up and headed for the castle.

"Is she going to be alright?" Amanda asked nervously. "I didn't think it was safe, but Erwyn thought it was thick enough," she added, afraid that they might get in trouble for this.

Philippe was nearly running toward the castle, holding Erwyn against his chest. The two young girls had to actually run along side to keep up. He could see the fear and concern in the eyes of both girls. "She'll be okay," he said between heavy breaths, fighting off his own numbness. "It's no one's fault, ladies. Sometimes the greatest danger is in what looks to be safe, no?"

They raced into the castle. Servants" arms reached for Erwyn's shivering body but Philippe would not let her go. He carried her up to her room and gave orders for servants to prepare a hot bath and to stoke up the fire in the fireplace. He sent another servant to get word to Tele.

As the hot bath water was being prepared he knelt down in front of the fireplace and just rocked with Erwyn in his arms. "Je t"aime Mademoiselle Erwyn. You scared the life from me, I think so." His hand brushed her hair from her face and he smiled. "You are the adventurous lady of all time, no' I think I like that in you." He winked and kissed her forehead.

At that point the servants announce the water was ready. Philippe let them take over. It was only then that he noticed how very cold he was, and he excused himself to go to his own chambers to bathe and change.

QueenTeleperien

Date: 2007-03-11 19:28 EST
After the dressmakers left, Tele pulled on her usual gown and soft boots. There was a pile of missives awaiting her in the study. Leaving her apartments she slowly walked to the study greeting the servants, guards and messengers as she went. Once inside the study her seneschal pointed out the pile of parchment awaiting her.

"Lady, when you are ready I will write the return missives."

"Aye, thank you."

Picking up the top missive she settled into an overstuffed chair near the fireplace. Deep in the concerns of Ravenswing, wild pounding on the door startled her. Tom the hobbit went to the door and opened it. Lucy stood there, very pale and shaken.

"What is it Lucy?" Tele asked in alarm, sitting up straight.

"Erwyn fell through the ice on the pond. Lord Philippe pulled her from the pond. He carried her in, both cold and wet to the bone." Tele didn't wait to listen further. Dropping the parchment onto the floor. she rushed to the door pushing past Lucy and the guards then broke into a run with Lucy trying to keep up with the long-legged queen. It was not an easy task.

"Make way!" A guard cried when he saw the queen rushing through the hallway.

Servants and guards flattened themselves against the wall so not to block Tele and Lucy. Once at the door she burst in without knocking. Tele saw that Erwyn was huddled in a tub of hot water being tended by Constance. Tele crossed the room in three strides.

"Erwyn."

Tele knelt next to the tub. Her long hands stroked the wet blonde hair back from Erwyn's face. Silently weeping as her hands ran up and down her daughter. Of all her gifts, she was grateful for the ability to heal. As her powers were channeled through her hands, a bright white filtered through her fingers. Erwyn relaxed and the shivering slowed.

During all of this Amanda and Mystic had returned from the pond. Both were pale and shaken. As they stood close by Tele could see Mystic was crying. Tele looked at them and gently asked. "Please tell me all." The girls shifted from foot to foot glancing back and forth at each other.

Amanda repeated the event of how Erwyn had gone out on the ice thinking it was thicker than it really was and fell through the ice. Fear shook Amanda's voice, Mystic could only shake, not of cold but of fear. Amanda continued and described how Philippe had slide across the ice on his stomach and pulled Erwyn out.

"You did well." Tele said, her musical voice now full of gentle comfort. "Fear not, Erwyn will recover and you will have many more afternoons to find mischief. However my dear girls, please go to your own room. I am certain your father will return soon."

Lucy helped Tele remove Erwyn from the tub and quickly wrapped a towel around her. Too weak to dress herself Lucy and Tele bundled Erwyn into a warm gown Erwyn still remained silent but as she warmed tears welled and traced down her cheeks. Tele murmured into her ear as she wrapped Erwyn in a blanket. "Shi-eir vaeli." (be at peace). Laying Erwyn on the rug in front the fire. At once Erwyn relaxed into a deep sleep.

"Where is Philippe" In our chambers?" Tele asked in a soft voice, worry clear on her face.

"Aye Lady." Constance responded.

Tele looked up at Lucy. "I must see to Philippe, then we will move Erwyn to my apartments. For the time, leave her close to the hearth."

Lucy, still obviously shaken from the ordeal could only nod. Tele once more traced her hand down Erwyn's face, stood, hurrying out the door she almost ran into Xenograg. They exchanged few words and she and continued to her chambers. The queen understood how very close she came to loosing her daughter. Gratefulness welled up inside her like a spring newly flowing, giving life to the fen and fern. The Valar spared Erwyn. The loss of Erwyn would have cut to the soul leaving it open and bleeding. Unable to bear her sorrow, she would have taken the grey ship back to Valinor.

Close to her heart, the knowledge Philippe risked his own life to rescue her only child filled her soul. If it were possible, the love she had for her husband deepened.

Opening the door she saw Philippe was already stripped of his wet clothes and was standing in front of the stoked fire waiting for the bath to be drawn. Tele ran to him and flung her arms around him.

"I love you, I love you." She murmured showering his faces with kisses.

Xenograg

Date: 2007-03-11 21:32 EST
After telling Queen Teleperien what had happened at the pond, Amanda leads Mystic out of the room. They turn down the hall when a voice comes from behind.

"Amanda?" It is Xenograg, his face full of worry. He has rushed back to Eldicor after sensing his dauther's earlier panic. Having been far away at Xenodar in the north, he had just arrived minutes ago. He has already learned of the accident from the household staff.

"Father!" Amanda cries, she and Mystic both running to him. Xenograg kneels and hugs each girl with one arm. Both begin to cry hard. Xenograg holds them tight while they let out the stress of what-might-have-been. He gives them all the time they need to calm down. Then Teleperien exits the room, almost running into them.

"Xeno?" Teleperien asks in surprise. "Good. You know?" Xenograg stands as he answers.

"Yes. How is the princess?"

"Warmed and resting. I go to see after Philippe." Xenograg moves himself and the girls to the side so the Queen can more easily pass.

"I will be here with my daughters for the rest of the day, should you need me," he announces. Teleperien nods but strides away without delay. Xenograg looks down at the two girls and quickly thinks of something. "How about we go to the library, and I read to you?"

"I like that," answers Amanda with a weak smile. Mystic smiles brighter, and vigorously nods her head in agreement.

Erwyn

Date: 2007-03-12 17:20 EST
Drifting in and out of consciousness she is vaguely aware of strong arms wrapped around her. Her eyes opened as Philippe knelt down in front of the fireplace then felt herself rocking back and forth.

"Je t"aime Mademoiselle Erwyn. You scared the life from me, I think so." His hand brushed her hair from her face and smiles.

"You are the adventurous lady of all time, no' I think I like that in you." He winked and kissed her forehead. Erwyn tries to smile in response. His arms are a comfort to her, she feels safe and protected. Of all her mother's loves none showed any affection for her. They never held her, treating her as if she was an after thought. Perhaps that was the reason her mother rejected them. Erwyn allowed her head lean back on Philippe's arm and closed her eyes again.

She is awakened as Philippe stands; Lucy and Constance lifted her from Philippe's arms and supported her. Philippe excuses himself but not without kissing Erwyn once more on the forehead then left her to the care of Lucy and Constance. Quickly Lucy stripped the wet clothes as Constance held her.

"Intae th' tub Erwyn." Constance instructs. Her voice at most times is strident and commanding. Now she spoke with gentleness and concern. The hot water is painful as she is lowered into the tub. Tears now well up and trace down her face. The shock of the accident was wearing off and slowly comes back to her. The door burst open and her mother strode to the tub.

"Erwyn."

Tele kneels next to the tub. Erwyn felt her mother's soft hands caress her face. Opening her eyes once more the princess notices her mother is silently weeping as her hands ran up and down her daughter. Where Tele's glowing hand rested a surge of calm filled Erwyn. Her mother before had never healed Erwyn for there was no need. Erwyn proved to be strong and healthy constitution that comes with the Noldor race.

Her mother gently speaks to her in the elvish tongue as she runs her hand over Erwyn again and again. Her mother and Lucy supports Erwyn as she steps from the tub. A towel is wrapped about her then brought in front of the fire. She feels her arms and legs being rubbed then dressed in a warm gown. Exhausted, Erwyn felt her legs wobble. Tele and Constance lowered Erwyn on the rug in front of the hearth, tucking a blanket around her. "Shi-eir vaeli? Tele whispered into her ear. At once Erwyn feels herself fall into a deep sleep.

Philippe de Bouillon

Date: 2007-03-14 02:34 EST
His concern for Erwyn having subsided, only now did he realize how cold he was. His extremities were numb and his hands were shaking so much he could hardly remove his clothes. He stood in front of the fire with nothing but a blanket around him while the water was being drawn. It was taking some time because he had directed all the hot water to go to Erwyn's tub first. Only now was his bath water beginning to be poured into his tub.

The door opened and his head turned quickly, glad that it was his wife who was entered and not anyone else. Tele ran to him and flung her arms around him. "I love you, I love you," she murmured, showering his faces with kisses.

He could not respond as he would have liked. His lips were blue and he was shaking, but it was indeed nice to have Tele's arms around him. "I seem to have fallen in the water," he said with shivering lips, not mentioned anything about saving Erwyn.

"Just hold me," he added in a whisper, the cold and fear of losing Erwyn having sapped away all his strength.

QueenTeleperien

Date: 2007-03-17 09:03 EST
"Just hold me," Philippe murmurs. As she pulls him closer, Tele feels the cold radiate as though he was made of ice. Her breath is caught in her throat. Philippe had risked his own body to save her daughter. Though Erwyn received the worse of the cold water, she young and as with the young sapling, if bent under a weight, it springs back as if it had never been harmed. Also she has the grace of the Eldar within her, granting her life. She will make a quick and through recovery. However, Philippe was mortal and even if he appeared to be in good health, the ordeal of his last three years had lessened his strength. At once she dismisses the servants.

"I will see to Lord Philippe myself."

Bowing their way out the door they closed it. With a tender hand she leads Philippe to the tub and gently removed the rest of his clothes. Running her hands slowly over Philippe's cold body, once more her hands glowed, white light filtering through her long slender fingers.

"Into the tub my love." Tele murmurs. Her slender frame belies her strength, holding him steady until he was safely settled. He trembles as the hot water shocks his body. Quickly Tele strips her own clothes and slips in behind Philippe. Her long white legs wrap around his hips and are crossed at the ankles near his knees. As she continues warming him body and soul, her lips trace the contours of his shoulders.

"Mela en" coiamin." Tele murmurs in his ear, scooping up water in her hand and allowing it to slowly dribble down his chest. "Aratoamin, heruamin ."

Slender fingers are tracing the sinews and muscles of his strong arms with feather touch. Each touch, movement is filled with the channeled grace of the Eldar. Her full strength was focused on Philippe. With deliberate butterfly like movements, she combed his long dark hair with her fingers. As she did so, a sudden flash of a memory stabbed her. She gave an involuntary gasp. It was if she were looking through Philippe's eyes, feeling pain, sickness, despair and terrible hunger.

The memory of Philippe's ordeal far to the south; where he lost his ship, his crew almost his life, flowed into her mind, slammed into her soul in a few seconds of time. Tears started in her eyes as she personally felt each memory; the fifth, terror and hopelessness. There in middle of his torment was herself. A memory held in a secret place that granted him sanity and strength to live through the hell that was created for him.

"A'maelamin." Her voice was steady though she felt her heart would break. Tele then wrapped her arms about his chest and laid her head on the back of his shoulders. Of course Philippe had told her of his ordeal, but she could not enter into his suffering. Tele now fully understood why he took her infidelity with such pain. She, who though missed Philippe, did not face the hardships he had. She could blame her infidelity on her madness when possessed by Etruu, but Philippe who came from a time and place where such madness was considered punishable by death, did not understand such things.

Tears running freely down her face, she felt deep gratefulness and her love for this pirate who gave all for her. More she felt shame for her lack of understanding. Instinct guided her through, tightening her arms about Philippe, closing her eyes and opening her soul to the Valar she cried out:

"Elbereth, Gilthonial; Ter-m?anw?, cuilë ar?eranna Philippe tenna!"

Slowly a light surrounded her and Philippe. Every inch of her being was focused on her love body and soul. Feeling him relax into her arms, Tele kisses his hair...if Philippe could see her, he would see the source of her beauty and grace. Her face radiated the power and life of the Eldar, her soul taking on a growth of an age.

Then as gradually as the light grew, it faded. Philippe was limp and Tele felt his breath ease in and out. Exhausted he had fallen asleep. Regretfully she released her arms, holding him firmly she speaks into his ear. "My love, come. It is time for bed."

Drowsily he lifted his head and without words they stood Tele supporting her husband. As they step out of the tub, Tele reaches for a towel then quickly rubs Philippe dry. Steering a drowsy Philippe to their bed Tele pulling down the blankets. Philippe drops onto the feather filled mattress and drops at once into a deep slumber. Tele drew the blankets to his chin and kisses his lips. Now drying herself off she pulls her gown back on. Checking once more on Philippe she stole from the room leaving the door open.

Entering Erwyn's room Lucy looks up from the book she is reading. Calm was back in her young face.

"How does Erwyn fare?" Tele whispers as she stoops next to her daughter.

Lucy smiles and whispers back, "She is sleeping quietly."

Lifting Erwyn blanket and all Tele heads for the door. Lucy hops up and runs to open the door then follows as Tele makes her way down the hall. After Tele carries Erwyn into her chambers, Lucy closes the door noiselessly as she leaves. Laying Erwyn onto the small pallet made for her in front of the fireplace.

Weariness was now stealing on the queen. Taking a book and a glass of wine she sets the glass on a small table and settles on the couch between both Erwyn and Philippe. Without even realizing it, she drops off into her own slumber, book open on her lap.

Erwyn

Date: 2007-03-17 09:52 EST
Erwyn opens her eyes slowly, drowsiness still pulling on her. Early morning light is filtering through the windows. It is grey and snow is falling silently past the window. Slowly she realizes she's not in her own room but her mother's. Staring at the ceiling and its richly carved beams she pieces back together the events of the day before. The pond, the cold water and Philippe rushing her back into the castle. As memories return they are vague and dreamlike. Turning her head she sees her mother half lying on the couch an open book next to her. Her sharp ears hear Philippe's breathing move slowly in and out. She sits up, her long blond hair falling down around her shoulders.

As if roused by some unseen hand, her mother awakes immediately. As Teleperien sits up Erwyn sees that something is different about her mother. An almost imperceptible glow radiates from her.

"How do you feel?" Her mother asks in a soft whisper.

"Better. How is Lord Philippe?" Erwyn replies just as softly.

"Sleeping." Tele answers glancing at Philippe. She turned her stern gaze back. "You gave us all a great scare Erwyn."

Feeling remorse Erwyn hung her head. "Yes mother."

A soft hand touches her cheek. Erwyn's eyes fill with tears and she looks back up at her mother. She had left the couch and was kneeling next to Erwyn. No more words are exchanged. Erwyn feels her mother's arms wrap about her. They remained this way for a long while.