Private Tales En Route

[Esmeralda]

"Nothing yet Lord," Weasley answered Valdes First question. The he saw neither Valdr or Rayden were really listening, both if them gazing off at the queen. He simply rolled his eyes.

Clearing his throat to gain back both mens attention he continued, "I haven't, not to certian about grumpy over here," Weasley bumped shoulders with Rayden who only again offered his classic, primal grunt as a response.
"Thats a yes." Weasley inturperted. "What is the furtherest you have traveled Lord?" He asked in an attempt to keep the conversation going with little help from his companion.

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

"Farthest west I've been was Ragash.. many years ago.. farthest south, the Vale.. farthest east, the Spine. And I've gone to see the Nords in the North. I've traveled much over the years." Valdr would respond, his arms crossing. "Maybe we can fix that though for you, Weasley."

He would procure his canteen and drink some water from it. "So, either of you have families? I assume you had parents, you're standing here. But I mean wives, kids."

He already knew Rayden's response and he wanted to see if the man was foolish enough to make a remark. A challenge.

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux

 

[Esmeralda]

"Id like that," Weasley answered. The thought of travel inturged him.

When Valdr asked his question, Weasley excused himself with a pained look on his face.

"Respectfully Lord," Rayden looked him straight in the eyes. "Each of the men you see by the Queens side here today or warriors ever in close companionship with her, never ask such a question." His face was dark and hard now.
He could not blame Valdr for his question, he did not know all of their ways of yet. It did intruge him though that Esmerelda had not yet shared this bit of information with him yet.

"The men and woman that make up her majestys personal gaurd, myself included, are each orphans or have lost any person they can remotly call family. Thus making them a perfect candidates. Our soul loyalty lies by Queen Esmerelda, so if you wish to win over our people, it will serve you well to revert from personal questions unless that information is otherwise offered willfully."

With that, Rayden saw the queen finish up with Beth and went to meet her.

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

"Respectfully, Rayden." Valdr would turn to look at him, his gaze matching the warriors. "That is a dangerous ground to be in. Especially when such devotions are what her political enemies are using against her." If Rayden thought a hardened gaze would force him to submit, the warrior would be sorely disappointed.

"As a man who has led warriors for years, you learn you cannot trust those that stand beside you until you learn their soul. As of now, I have only seen how well you look to your Queen and ride a horse. Neither inspire a sense of loyalty to her." Valdr would hold the mans gaze, a part of him wished Rayden would seek a fight. It would make killing him legal.

When Rayden finally departed, naturally to be near the Queen, Valdr would look to Weasley, his tone gentle. "My father, the first Lord of my House was a traveling Knight. He left my family to go aid someone in need. He never returned. Part of my traveling is to seek him or a body, something." He would clap the young guard on the back.

"Find something else to live for. You'll fight harder then, when the time comes. If you look to the Queen and see kin, that's all fine and well.. but.. if you have a wife at home, a child, you'll move mountains in the battle that lies ahead. Think on it." His gaze would shift to their surroundings. "I'm going to scout ahead, stay here and keep the perimeter cycling." With that, he would begin to advance along the trail on foot.

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux

 

[Esmeralda]

It was clear Rayden was pissed off, he basically stormed over to Esmerelda.
She turned to look up at him, "Rayden." Peering past him she saw Valdr walking in the opposite direction. Esme took him by the arm and guided him away from ears reach.

"What is going on?" She to was begining to loose her temper, whatever the pair spoke about it obviously ended with sky rocketing testosterone levels.

"That man is not right for you, he-"

"Rayden Rayes!" A few guards turned to look in their direction. Esmerelda lowerd her voice, "You cannot say such things."

"Esme its true, he does not know our way, our people." He took her hand, "and he is not the right man to rule at your side."

She whipped her hand free, "he was right you know." Taking a step back she straighted her shoulders and spoke firmly. "You have made my decision easier, once we reach the harbour you shall leave for the castle with a note for my council. After that you shall pack your belongings and go to the borders to join Commander Ran'rorik, during their last raid he lost fine men -"

She swallowed, "you are needed there more then you are here." Esme could not look him in the eyes after this. The pain in Raydens face was clear and the hurt in his voice painfully obvious, "As you wish my queen." With that Rayden bowed and left her side.



For a good couple of minutes Esmerelda stood there, right where he had left her, trying to process what had just occured.

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

Was it anger that drove Valdr to scout? No. It was to ensure there wasn't another bandit attack. It was something their scouts had missed. He couldn't fault them, but in order to show the guards he was with them, he had to partake in their duties. Lordship was a service, if he became their king, it was a service. He was no better than them, nor his life any more valuable.

He would leave whatever words Rayden had to share with Esme between them. He wouldn't ask her what was said, he trusted her. Probably more than he should have, but he promised her, his bond, his trust, his life. And he would keep each of those oaths. If she ever wanted to share them with him, that was up to her.

Valdr would be gone for about a half hour, searching high and low for signs of bandits or highway men. Nothing to the front, nothing to their flanks. On the way back, he would find a stag and manage to fell it with one of his javelines.

Returning to camp with the stag over his shoulders, he would come to a stop before the cooking fire and drop it before the cooks there. "Here. Saw this on the way back. Figured it would replenish what we had already consumed. Salting and drying it will also make it good for the voyage."

The cooks looked pleased and Valdr would clap their shoulder before rising back to his full height and turning to see if he could find Esme.

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux

 

[Esmeralda]

After Esme had come to her senses she went to find Weasley. She told him of what was to happend with Rayden, then she infromed him of his new duties, safe to say the boy was beyond honoured but a little while after rhe realization of his new duties had set in.

In Esmes view she saw the large stag now being carved up by cooks and wandered over.
"Now who could have caught such a fine stag?

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

"Queen Esmeralda.." one of the cooks would bow his head while the other carved. "Lord Rangvaldr returned with it from his scouting trip. He should be around here, he went off to find you.." He offered a smile and a bow before he returned to the carving.

Valdr would return to the horses and make sure his courser was doing fine. An apple here, a few scratches along the broad neck there, and he would continue on his quest to find the Queen.

He would see her near the cooks and make his way over. "My Queen." He would say with a gentle smile and a bow. "My apologies for the sudden departure, but I went and scouted ahead. Looks like there are definitely bandit patrols, but nothing in the way of an immediate presence. The road ahead should be clear." He would close the distance and take her hand gently. "For the next part, I request you stay in the carriage.. just in case. I will be on horseback with lance, so that I may engage any enemy."

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux

 

[Esmeralda]

"Lord," she nodded her head. Her gaze drifted to Rayden as she spoke, "I wish to arrive at the harbour as soon as possible."

A gust of wind started to pick up and a shiver crawled down Esmes spine. "Valdr," she lightly touched his forearm, "I am going to fetch my coat then maybe we can go for a small strole?" She offered him a small smile.
Esmerelda was determined to put as much space between herself and Rayden as possible.

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

"As you wish, my Queen." He said with a dip of his head. "I'll see if the cooks have a stopping point approaching and we can either bring the carcass to finish or leave it for carrion."

When she shivered and touched his arm, his hand would come to rest on hers, before he took her hand in his. He would lift her hand to his lips and blow warm air onto her cool hand to warm them before kissing her palm. "We can go get your cloak then, Esme." He would say in his gentle tone, his voice lowered so only she would hear.

He then placed her hand on his arm and escorted her to their carriage. Upon reaching it, he would open the door and reach in to procure her cloak. Giving it a single shake, he then draped it over her shoulders. "There we are.." he mused as he once more offered his arm for the escort. "Before we depart, do you have that ring i got you?" His golden eyes lowered to where she was injured. "Just in case there is another attack.. I would feel more assured if you were protected.."

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux

 

[Esmeralda]

Esme melted im the warmth if her coat. "Yes I do," Esmerleda motioned lightly at her outer thigh. "But I would rather save it for a true life or death situation."
The pair began their slow stroll. "Valdr," she paused for a moment.
"I have spoken with Rayden. He will take his leave and journey back to Route then the Borders once we reach the harbour."
Esmerleda naturally spoke with power and strengeth, but in her voice now, she sounded uncertain, almost weak.
Esme had finally realized what Valdr had seen, what the servents saw...possibly Quinton and other members of court. Her relationship with Rayden truly put her in jeprody and she hated the fact that it took someone else to bring it to her attention.

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

"Might be too late when you finally realize its serious." He said gently with a hint of worry in his voice. "But it is your choice, I'll just have to learn to stop worrying about you." He would say teasingly.

Shortly after they began walking, she stopped, and he would sigh as he took both her hands in his. "I'm sorry Esme.. that must have been hard for you.. I hope.. I didn't come across as self-conscious or untrusting of you.." he could hear the pain in her voice, see it in her eyes.

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux

 

[Esmeralda]

"No," she gave his heads a light squeeze, "Not at all my Lord. I am merely disappointed in myself that it took you, an outsider, to bring the matter to my attention."

She felt a pair of eyes on them now and let go of his hands. "Do you mind checking if the cooks are finished? I would like to tend to my horse before we start our journey again."

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

He would offer a small smile. "Well, hopefully I won't be an outsider for much longer." As they released each others hands, he would say with a lowered voice. "I see we just did something naughty by the way they're clutching their pearls."

He laughed lightly before sighing. It appeared their stroll was to be a very short one. But she had made a request and so he would bow his head. "As you wish, Esme. I'll check with the cooks. I'll find you at your horse with their answer."

He would turn and make his way back for the center campfire.

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux

 

[Esmeralda]

Esme smirked at Valdrs, comment.

Reachimg the horses and finding her stallion she started to hum whilst stroking his mane.

"Well your majesty is in quite a good mood."

Esmerelda jumped at the voice and turned to see none other then Weasley,
"Dammit! You cannot just sneak up on me like that Weasley. "

He raised his eyebrow, "my queen, in these boots," He lifted his foot and shook it around. "Sneaking is not an option." He ran his hand down the horses back. "Besides, even if I were to make an attempt, normally your highness would catch wind of me..." He flashed a grin, "but it seems your mind is elsewhere?" He bounced his eyebrows playfully.

"Oh shut up." Esme huffed and rolled her eyes. "Whatever it is you are insinuating, trust me - you are incorrect."
"What ever you say." He shrugged and folded his arms. " I just came to tell you we shall be on the road again shortly and Rayden told me that you-"

"What ever Rayden has to say regarding myself he can say to me." Her tone was now short and cliped, Weasley instantly regretted bring up the 'R' word and simply bowed his head, "After you."

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

Valdr made his way back to the cooks, and though his words were for them, his gaze followed Esme as she walked to her horse. At least until she disappeared behind it. "Just me again. The Queen would like to know how long until we can leave."

One of the cooks looked up and smiled at him. "'Nother hour, Lord. At least. We're working as fast as we can, but this is delicate work, it is."

"No worries, I understand completely. Just find me when you're ready for departure." He would clap the cook on the shoulder as he passed him and continued onto where Esme was.

The first thing he noticed when she came into view was her initial jovial mood had definitely soured again.. and he could only assume Weasley was the cause of it. No matter. He would just have to try to lift her up again.

"Weasley, Queen Esmerelda." He would say with a bow of his head. "The cooks will be ready in at least an hour. Perhaps you can send out another scouting patrol and a forward scout in preparation." He would say to the Guard, offering him an escape from the current situation.

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux

 

[Esmeralda]

"Before you accuse some one else of sneaking up behind you," Weasley nodded in the direction of Valdr.
The moment he mentioned a possible escape for the young guard his eyes screamed thank you and Weasley mounted his own horse that was grazing close buy and trotted off.

"You know, that boy makes we want to take my own life sometimes." Esme said to Valdr once Weasley was out of ear shot. "Regardless, he will post probably be the new head of my personal guard. I have considered other options but I think he will be the right decision." She looked over to Valdr, "Any opinion on the matter?"
Esme was challanging him, a small one, but a challange none the less. How much of an opinion was he willing to give ? Or withhold for that matter.

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

"I would prefer if you didn't." Valdr would say watching Weasley trot off. At her words, he would nod his head in thought. "Weasley? Of the guards I've met, he's a good pick. Clearly not harboring romantic feelings for you, which means he won't be corruptible or cross any lines. Hes young, which means he could serve for many years at that post. He lacks some experience, but that just means he has room to grow and he acknowledges that lack. I think he would make a fine choice." Valdr responded, looking back at her.

"We have an hour or so, what would you like to do or discuss to pass the time?"

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux

 

[Esmeralda]

"I am glad you agree with my decision regarding Weasley."

Esme Thought for a moment, "You know Valdr, I think its time you and I have a small sparring session." Her face lit up and her hand went to rest on the hilt of her sword that was strapped to her side. "Or what do you think?"

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

"He's a good choice, nothing to disapprove of."

He seemed to see the thought forming in her eyes before she spoke it, and it would only be a matter of time before the request came about anyways. "As you wish, Esme." He would say with a smile and a bow of his head.

His gauntlet shifted to his blade and he clasped the frog of the scabbard around the crossguard to ensure the blade didn't slip free. He then unhooked the scabbard and held it midway along the length of the blade, tip pointing to the earth. "Your move."

 

[Esmeralda]

Esmerelda took her stance, shifting her feet slightly, holding her sword close to her body om her right hand side she rashed forward. Mocking a right attack, hoping for Valdr to leave his left side exposed.

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

She would rush forward, and his eyes began to study her movements. She came forward, he stepped back. Valdr would twist into the swing, his gauntlet catching her blade. The crossguard of his sword would tap her wrist. "Broken."

He would her sword away and off to the side. "Again. And don't play with me, i saw you with those bandits."

 

[Esmeralda]

Esme rolled her eyes, "listen," her wrist relaxed and she pointed her blade loosely at him. "I cannot risk breaking my potential future husband." Quickly she swang around and her elbow hit Valdr clean in the hips, the nape of his kneck ending up inches from the tip of her blade. "Do not wish to end up in you bad graces."

Esmerelda winked and took a step back. Her stance ready.

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

As she moved low, his free hand would move to catch the blade. She was agile, quick, and he wasn't sure how good she was at pulling back the last second. Had he not been wearing armor, the elbow would have stung some.

With the tip of her blade inches from his neck, she would find the edge of his scabbard pressed against hers. "At least we die together, my dear." He would return the wink with a grin of his own. "You're a warrior Queen and I've lived a life of war, leading from the front. I know your ferocious and I want that in my bride. Strong women, stronger women, do not scare me."

He would nod to her to let her start it once more.

 

[Esmeralda]

She klicked her kneck before getting ready to strike again she heard a familiar thunderous voice..

" Queen Esmerelda."

Esmes face fell immediately.
"Ser Rayden," he turned to look at him. "How can I assit?"
The tension between the pair was clear as day, emotions of anger and hurt flowed freely between them.
"May I speak with you a moment?"

Esme placed her sword back in its sheeth and have Valdr a bow of the head.
"Yes Rayden?"
"My queen, until we reach the harbour you are my responsibility, thus I must ask you to please rest and not strain yourself further - you risk your wound opening again. "
You could hear Esme huff, the frustration audible. "Thank you for your council Rayden, but I am perfectly capable of listening to my own - "
Esme winced, clutched her side and not even second later, passed out.