Private Tales En Route

A private roleplay only for those invited by the first writer
Ah, Rayden. Always on the fringes, always haunting her every steps, always lusting after her. Once Valdr had caught onto the mans intent, everything innocent turned into something dangerous. Not to him, but to Esmeralda. The man meant to protect her would bring about her ruin.

The fact that there was so much emotion meant that everything she had told him about their talk had come to pass, and for that, their trust deepened. His faith in her, deepened. "Ser Rayden." Valdr would say in a neutral tone. He was able to play nice with a manner of men, half or otherwise.

The knight voiced his concerns, which her viable, and Valdr would clip his frog back onto his belt, fastening the scabbard in place. His gaze shifted to her side and he would step closer to Esme, a good call, as within seconds she had passed out.

Valdr would catch her as she fell, before lifting her into a bridal carry and heading to her tent. Once inside, he would set her down gently and have the servants tend her wounds, so as to not violate her honor. His gauntlets were removed and he would sit with his back to her until they were done.

Once the wraps were changed, he would sit close to her, his hands holding hers. If she awoke, she would find him singing lowly in a language that wasn't their own.
 
Eventually Esme came too. Stiring slighty, she woke up to to a voice singing in a language that was not her own.

"Valdr?" She whispered, trying to sit herself up. "What happened?"
 
The singing would stop at the sound of her voice and one hand would release her hand and rest gently on her shoulder to keep her down. "You blacked out. Tore your stitches, I carried you here."

He shifted in his spot so his golden eyes could focus on her. "You're not allowed to make me worried, my dear. Especially during a spar." He said gently, before the hand that still held one of hers lifted her hand to his lips and he placed a kiss on her palm.
 
"Well is that not convenient to your victory." She winced whilst readjusting herself. "Are cooks done yet? I would like to get on the road again."


The flap of the tent opened and beth walked in exposing the evening sky, "Lord Rangvaldr the..Oh your majesty," she curtsied. "I am glad to see you have woken up. I feared the worst when you collapsed."

Beth knelt down and tapped lightly on Esmes bandages to insure they were still secure. "I just came to tell Lord Rangvaldr that everything is ready that we continue on our way once you are ready my queen."

Esme nodded her head and took Valdrs hand to assist her in standing up. "Very Well," once up she soothed out her dress. "Looks like I have my answer Lord, best we be on our way."

Her and Valdr made their way to the carraige, her holding on his arm for the short walk as her body had not yet fully woken up.
 
"I wouldn't count it unless you were at full strength." He said lightly, giving her hand a squeeze. When she began to ask about travel, he was about to shut her down until she rested more, but good ole Beth, always brought the good news.

He offered her a genuine and polite smile. "Thank you, Beth. Let the others know we will be moving shortly." He then helped Esme up to her feet.

Unsure of her just holding onto an arm. Valdr's outer arm would reach in to take her hand and with the newly freed arm, it would slip around her waist to better hold her up without her doing all the effort. "I got you." He said gently before they exited the tent and he escorted her to the carriage.

Reaching the carriage, he would help her up and into the carriage before getting her settled. He would then ensure she was as comfortable as possible, before he removed his cuirass and chain mail shirt, setting both on the bench across from them. Shutting the door, he would sit close to her side, allowing her to use him for comfort. "There will be no more riding horses until we make port in Ragnarra." He would say sternly. "Dont want those stitches coming undone."
 
"If you do not want me on a horse Lord," she shifted slightly in her seat. "Then you best hope we arrive quickly." Esme settled into his side, leaving most her weight to be supported by him.

A sound came from outside and the carraige began moving forward.
"So Lord, why don't you tell me the story of how you got your favorite scar?" She asked, starting a conversation in hopes to keep her mind from wondering to more pressing matters.
 
"I think I'll be able to keep you from trying to get on a horse, my Queen." He mused with a faint smile. One arm would drape over her shoulders as she settled into him. It would be another short leg of the trip and then they would be on a boat for close to two weeks sailing across the northern coasts of Liadain and Epressa.

"My favorite... scar..." he mused as he thought on the answer. "Before I was knighted, when I was a squire, I accompanied my father in a battle on the northeastern border of Aniria. We engaged a large enemy horde and it was my first true battle of that scale, I was ten. We routed the goblins and orcs and had to fight the ogres, last. Ogre grabbed me and I have where his claws punctured my leather armor and gambeson. Instead of rescuing me, my father ordered his Knights to let me save myself.. I did. Dirk to the eye to blind it, then I slit the wrist open that been holding me. Took me weeks to recover from the injuries sustained, but it was something I will never forget."
 
Esmes eyes grew wide with intruige as Valdr told his story. "A goblin? What are they like? I have never had the opertunity to encounter one before, only heard of them in tales. The stories lead on to say they are foul smelling with large, sharp teeth."

An image popped into her head of the supposidlt foul, small best she heard of as in folk tales as a child, ugly little things from what she was told.
 
"Goblins live on the other side of Vraexamore, so I guess they've been held at bay for awhile." He mused with a smile. "As for what they're like.. oftentimes they're enslaved by stronger races. They're clever, they're brave.." he paused to look at her. "The stories are always wrong. They don't smell any worse than humans in poor villages."

He leaned back some. "It is always a pity when you need to kill slaves in battle, especially Goblins. Orcs and Ogres starved them to make them feral, like what some cruel bastards do to their hounds." His thumb would caress the palm of her hand. "I escorted a pair of them for many weeks, helping them finally find a home after theirs had been destroyed. They were quite amicable."

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux
 
Esmerelda was mortified to find out the truth regarding these creatures that seemed horrible in childrens stories but seemed to be quite interesting, oppressed creatures.
"Well," she sat up straight, a determined look in her eyes. "Once we have finished our travels and are back in Route I shall make it so that my kingdom becomes a safe haven for Goblins and mis-understood creatures a like."
She found herself searching for approval in Valdrs eyes which actually bothered her. It was unlike the young queen to seek approval from others, especially someone she found new to her life. Esme found her feelings towards Valdr intriguing, to say the least.
 
Seeing her mood towards the Goblins change so drastically was quite.. endearing to Valdr. He wasn't sure why it was important to them. But following her impressive proclamation he would smile with a approval. "That is good, Esme, and I will go out to escort them to your kingdom."

The hand that been caressing hers, would lift her hand to his lips, where he placed a gentle kiss on her palm. He knew he had been looking at her differently since the trip began, in a good way. Worries and doubts about their bond began to slip and fall away with everyday. And despite what he wanted to do, where he wanted to kiss, he would maintain some semblance of decorum.

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux
 
"I am happy to hear you agree."
The rest of the journey the pair made idle chit chat, from politics right down to their childhood pets.
Eventually the sea air hit hard and the carriages entered a bustling village.
The group arrived at the harbor. The minute the carriage came to a stop one of the servents popped up by the couples window, "You majesty, I have notified them that you are here. All the preparations are in order."

"Thank you Tyrin."
The servant bowed his head and opened the door for Esme and she stepped out.
A smile overtook her face at her entire party was greeted by a large crowd, many already taken a knee.
 
As they drew close to the harbor, Valdr would begrudgingly leave his position of comfort that he had reached with Esme. But, he needed to look presentable. So,, before they came to a stop, he would begin the process of pulling his armor on.

Once they arrived at the harbor, they would be greeted by a large host, one that in his mind was unmerited. Her kingdom didn't stretch this far, nor were they her people. Yet. Perhaps one day. Valdr would open the carriage door and step out first, holding a hand up to help Esme down, which he may have even lightly carried her off the final step just so she wouldn't irritate her stitches.

With the people bowing, he would turn to say to her quietly, gently. "These are not your subjects.. these are open lands.. don't assert authority over them.. make them seek out your authority." He would let her do whatever she wished in that moment, he just provided her a quick counsel before he escorted her further.

Near the back of the group were three standing Knights clad in blue and silver, with winged helms that matched Valdr's, yet didn't bear the gold trim. And behind them, a single massive gryphon.

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux
 
Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar said:
make them seek out your authority."
Click to expand...
"I am aware, but I sent word we were coming."

She now spoke to the crowd, "Good day, My name is Queen Esmerlede Sophia Le Roux The First of the Kingdom of Route."
Esme moved to the carriage Beth had been riding in a cover from baskets that had been brought out. With the cover removed loaves of bread and blocks of cheese were exposed.
"It was brought to my attention that recent events have caused your food storages to run low. I am aware it is not much, but it is now yours."

Esmerelda moved out of the way and servants began handing out the food to the community. Once again she found her way to Valdrs side. "About a week or two ago, one of their food stores burnt down thanks to my darling cousin getting into a squirmish and everything escalated."

ïF you don't mind Lord, I would like to go change before we board." Esme guestered towards an inn just across the street. She was tired of wearing these dresses, she was absolutly itching to change back into her normal attire and furs.
 
Valdr would nod to Esme and he would step back, when she stepped forward and addressed the crowd. Once she was done, he would be more than ready to receive her. More than eager to.

"Perhaps we should conquer them." He said with a casual grin. It wasn't lost on him how much her cousin disgusted her nor how her uncles felt they ruled her. "Take their lands and push west. Rival Vraexamore in power."

He would nod to the three Knights as they crossed to the inn. "Absolutely. We can get them changed. My people are ready whenever we are." Reaching the inn, he would open the door for her, and help her in.


Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux
 
Once in her room Esme closed the door behind herself and started changing. She pulled on her slacks and tunic then continued to add and tighten her leather corset. Lastly she pulled on her boots and fur over coat. Just as Esme finished gathering her discarded items a knock sounded on her door. "Yes?"
"Tis' Rayden your majesty."
"Enter."

Rayden came in and shut the door behind him, resulting in Esmerlda raising her eyebrows, uncertain of what was to come.

"Esme," he walked straight up to her, his face inches from her own and placed his palm on her cheek.
"Rayden? What are you doing?"

"Please," His eyes met hers and she felt as if he was staring into her soul. "Allow me to say my piece."

Rayden took a deep breath, "Esme. My dear, dear Esme."
Pain danced in his eyes. "Since we were children you have always held my heart and I have always known nothing could ever come from the affections I held for you besides mere daydreams.

He paused for a moment, "I have loved you every second of every day since the moment I layed eyes on you."
Rayden brushed a stray hair behind her ear and then with his free hand he took Esmerlda by the waist and pulled her closer, something that did not seem possible. "

"I love you Esmerelda," Then his lips met hers.
 
One of the guards approached Valdr's door and knocked. The young Lord would open the door to Brandr, one of the young Guards. "My lord, you asked to know if Rayden drew close to her Queen's Room.. he just entered."

"Thank you, Brandr." Valdr had just removed his cuirass and so he grabbed his sword belt and buckled it on. "With me."

He would head to Esme's door. "Brandr, wait out here, no matter what you hear."

"Yes, m'lord."

Valdr didn't knock. He just opened the door, just in time to see Rayden force a kiss onto Esme. He was normally one for level reactions, but this was a man who had been eagerly hounding death since they departed Route.

Three steps carried him the distance. "Rayden." His tone carried with it the promise of death and the next thing Rayden would feel after Esme's lips would be the sting of a steel gauntlet breaking the skin around his right ear, with enough force to disorient him. "Draw your sword, boy."

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux
 
Rayden tasted blood as Valdrs guantlet connected with his jaw and a burning sensation started growing in his gut.
"I find it entertaining how you dare call me a boy when you do not even dare settle this like a real man."
Rayden released his sword from its sheath and threw it across the floor, next he took off his furs and dropped them to the floor. "Why don't we see if you earned that title 'ey Lord?" He mocked and raised his fists.
 
Following Rayden taking up Valdr on his offer she tried to get between the pair but was shifted behind Rayden with one swoop of his arm, as if to protect her from Valdr like he would cause her harm. "Valdr please, let us settle this as diplomats." From behind she grabbed Raydens shoulder trying to break his focus and avoid the conflict.

Besides the shock of Raydens lips on hers and Rangvaldr walking she needed to keep as cool a head as possible, for if she lost her temper an absolute shit show would break out in the tiny inns room.
 
Valdr would laugh at Rayden. "Real men don't force themselves upon a woman, nor do they cower in the shadows. I see you're too afraid to die for your actions. You're only willing to feel a bruise or a broken bone, you don't have the spine to die for what you want." His hand moved to undo the buckles on his gauntlets and he cast them aside, along with his sword. "But since you're a coward and a dog, I will beat you at your own challenge and then you will die."

He would take his ready stance. "Come then, dog. Let's see if you even have a bite."

Rayden Rayes
 
Rayden threw a punch first, his left fist landing Valdr on the cheek and then a hit in the gut. Before he knew it Valdr had striked back and the pair continued back and forth, Rayden himself getting in a few good swings.

However, his rage made him foolish. If they were fighting over something else his mind would be clearer but with Esmerelda...she was his weakness and would most likely be his downfall.
 
Valdr needed the dumb bastard to get overconfident, to over-commit. So he needed to sell. Rayden attacked with moves that were easy to pinpoint, to block, he was all strength and no finesse. No form. Valdr would let blows land, responded with some of his own.

He felt the lack of focus in the other man, the passion, the rage. And steadily his confidence grew with every successful strike. The man was strong, likely from years of practicing his craft. After all, Rayden was supposed to be one of their best.

Jab to Valdr's face, redirected to the shoulder. Jab to the midsection, the core would seize, tightening his breaths. All power.

Like Valdr, they were descended from northmen, their fighting styles reflected as much. But, Valdr had learned the endurance of the Dwarves, learnt the brutality of orcs, the agility of the elves. He could weather the worst of the storms, he was forged in the fires of war. His blood opened the doorway to lordship, but his skill secured it.

While Rayden sensed a victory, Esme would see a change. The powerful jab that Rayden would normally connect with, was sidestepped, the wrist caught by Valdr's hand as his free hand drove right into the elbow with enough force to snap the joint. As the Routen cried out in pain, Valdr's hand that had caught the wrist would shoot for his throat, cutting off air to the lungs momentarily.

A blind swing from Rayden would drive Valdr into the nearby chest. Valdr would then grab him by the collar, and drove Rayden's head off the corner of the chest, gouging into his eye. Hopefully the damage would be permanent. With a final ounce of rage, Valdr launched Rayden through the window, letting him fall to the dirt road below.

They were on the second floor, so the fall wouldn't kill him. He was lucky. Valdr wouldn't to drive his sword across the mans throat, but he let that exit be the excuse he would survive. Guards looked up from the street and Valdr would lean out briefly. "He tried to force himself upon your Queen. Arrest him."

The Guards would leap into action, binding Rayden and hauling him up to his feet as Valdr pulled back into the room. "I'm sorry, Esme.. I didn't kill him for you. I was fine with the border.. but this.." he paused to wipe blood from his jaw. "He needed punishment.." he would stoop down and grab his belt, his gauntlets. All of it was fastened on.

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux
 
Esme could not do anything but watch as the two men flew into each other. By the time it was finish blood was spattered on the inn floor and Esme had a lack of words, completely flustered by what had unfolded infront of her.
She nodded in agreement with Valdrs comment. Once Rayden had been dragged away the pair went down stairs, Weasley meeting them at the entrance way.
"Your majesty," he wanted to speak to her but Esme seemingly looked straight through him and went to the ship, ignoring Beth on her way as she tried asking questions about Rayden.

Weasley looked at Valdr, he needed confirmation and without the Queen or any advisors nearby, Rangvaldr was his next best hope.
"Lord, am I to send Rayden back to Route with two escorts or what do you wish to do with him?.
 
Before they headed downstairs, Valdr would pick up Rayden's sword. It was a nice piece, specifically crafted for him, and then hand it to Brandr. "For your service to the Queen. When we return to Route, ill see you properly rewarded."

Brandr bowed his head as he held the sword close. "Thank you, Lord."

Valdr would walk down with Esme, Brandr now flanking the pair. Reaching the street, some of the guards were being rough on Rayden's now broken arm. Valdr could have stopped him, but the dog deserved to die in his eyes.

Esme blew by Beth, then Wesley, but Valdr would pause by the new, young Captain. One hand was placed on his shoulder, he wasn't sure if it was to reassure the young man, or steady himself. "I would wish him executed here and now for his crimes, save you all a trip, but the Queen will want a trial. Send Gaspar and Torvic back to Route with him. He's to receive no medical attention."

"Yes, Lord." Wesley would say in understanding.

He would then signal to his Wardens and the trio would approach. "Wesley, meet Albrazandere.. Athelstan.." his gauntlet would was over the two men, before shifting to the woman in the middle. "..Brynhildr." the woman stood two heads taller than each man present, was broad shouldered, even in her heavy armor. "She's a Norden.. Bryn, will accompany Gaspar and Torvic and if Rayden tries to escape, she'll rip his head off."

Wesley nodded his head to each Warden as they were introduced and then looked back at Valdr. "Yes, Lord. I'll see to it." He would give Brynhildr another glance before departing.

"If I didn't see the bastard hit the street, I would have thought you got your ass kicked." Bryn laughed at Valdr after Wesley was out of ear-shot.

Valdr held up a finger. "Not a word. Now go help them."

The three Wardens looked at each other and did mock bows. "Yes, my Lord-king." They teasedin unison with a light laugh, before Bryn broke off to tower over Rayden, Torvic, and Gaspar. She would have them chain the damaged arm to the good arm, then put a clasp on his throat. Instead of stemming from the arms or neck, the chains would be pulled from a connection made in the middle, putting even further damage on his now broken arm and his neck as Bryn yanked him mightily. She would also have Gaspar remove Rayden's boots, forcing him to walk barefoot along the road, whilst her and the two guards rode back to Route on horseback.

Albrazandere and Athelstan would head for the boat, guiding the gryphon up and into the massive craft.

Valdr would look to Beth, now. "He forced himself onto the Queen. If it were not for Brandr, he might have gotten further. The people, the council, the guards.. they will want his head for this. So do I. But we both know this will go to a trial.. and the outcome you want, his life being spared, will undermine her rule. Her authority. And that is what the Council wants." He would sigh. "I'm sorry.. I was more than happy sending him away and giving you the chance to be with him on the border.. but this? This is sick. There needs to be a heavy hand." As he spoke, his tone was gentle, as if apologetic. Beth and Esme were the victims of a disgusting dog, one no better than the Duke. "Come on, let us go check on the Queen."

He would place a hand on her back and guide her for a few steps towards the boat, where the hand removed itself. Pain was Valdr's gift for defending his betrothed, unlike Rayden, he was willing to die and to take a life. Brandr would offer Valdr some support for the boarding and once aboard, set off to take care of his assignments for the voyage.

Valdr would then go to where Esme was within the galley, her personal quarters. He removed his gauntlets and tucked them into his belt and after a calming sigh, he knocked. "My Queen, its Valdr." He wasn't sure why he identified himself, not a single person there sounded like him. "May I come in?"

Esmeralda Sophia Le Roux
 
Once in her rooms Esme removed her furs and dumped them on the bed, and poured herself a goblet of wine.
"Enter," was her answer to Valdrs question. Before he could say anything she told him to close the door. Her back was still towards him, unsure if she had the courage to meet his eyes.
"I am not going to give them Raydens head. I am at fault just as much as he. I should have stopped his affections or called in gaurds the moment he entered to prevent anything of such."

Esme sipped at her wine and walked over to the small window of her cabin, looking out upon the sea .
"I shall also be releasing Beth of her duties. I friendship shall never be the same and I know it will kill her inside if she does not know what comes of Rayden and is unable to join him on whatever journey follows."
 
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