Completed The War of The Kinniger Duchy

[Heike Eisen]

Even unarmed, Ferelith--these "Wolves" in general--were terrible forces to be reckoned with. Much like the vampires that had sacked Reikhurst, they were monsters in humanoid form. And it was to Heike's chagrin that it was essentially necessitated that she be afflicted, that she be just like the Wolves and the Slaughterns, to even stand a chance here.

To even stand a chance against Jürgen, came a dark and pessimistic thought that was banished as quickly as it had come.

Heike watched Ferelith savagely rip the drow's arm from her torso in the moment after her own strike. Watched Ferelith finish her. All was well. One less monster to plague the world, one less foe to be concerned about.

And in Heike's mind there was no time to waste: the way out was wide open to them now, and they could retreat back to the camp--and Heike could handle things from there. But first they simply needed to get out.

"This way," Heike said. "Out through the refuse tunnel. Hurry."

Heeding her own words, Heike turned back to the disgusting tunnel and started sliding down through it, pushing and shoving the corpses of the slain guards from earlier as necessary. As she did she thought to give Ferelith her coat (despite all of the accumulated muck and filth) for the sake of decency once they emerged outside Bryn's Cave, this at least until Ferelith could be properly clothed again; the sun would not be a concern for Heike at this hour, the hood unnecessary.

Soon Heike emerged where she and Kyla had first entered. Glad beyond measure to be free of that awful tunnel, even if the foul scent clung to her and her clothing so relentlessly that perhaps the first few washings might not be enough to be rid of them.

She stood. Took an unneeded breath of the outside air. And waited for Ferelith.

Ferelith Scathach Sir Eberwolf Kinniger

 

[Ferelith Scathach]

Ferelith nodded slowly following her love through the tunnel. As they exited she gratefully wrapped the coat around herself. “Where’s Camp..” She asked with a tinge of fear and pain still hanging in her tone. Something had happened in the compound. Her mind just couldn’t remember. A fog seemed to cling to her thoughts. Shrouding what she was trying to recall.

“Heike...Kyla..Eberwolf..Mek jen sagnk..” she began mumbling. The danger being averted and finally being out catching up with her all at once as she stated the names she could remember..What was happening to her..She felt strange..She pulled the coat closer around her as she shrank to her knees.

Her breathing and heartbeat speeding up her exponentially. A sweat breaking out across her forehead. her eyes threading to roll up into her head.

 

[Kyla Scathach]

“I’ve never been one to mix work with pleasure..” Kyla croaked out. Blood leaking from the side of her mouth as she smirked. A pained grunt followed as the knight pulled her off the spear. “That’s better..” She muttered leaning heavily on the knights frame. Her blood joining the many others that coated it. One hand clutched her stomach keeping her guts where they needed to be. The other pulled off his helmet. Her eyes meeting his.

“And yes..we did..” She said as she used her free hand to help steady herself as she kissed his cheek. “That was for helping save me.” She said. Hovering her lips in front of his she finally threw both arms around his neck and kissed him.

“That was for helping save my sister..”She said as she leaned back. A wet plop sounding at her feet as she went pale. “Shit..” She muttered glancing at the part of her intestines that had plopped down at the knights feet.

“Help..Me..Out..of here please..” She said looking ready to pass out as the wound was already closing organs reforming inside. Until that process was done she was almost comatose.

 

[Sir Eberwolf Kinniger]

“I’ve never been one to mix work with pleasure..” Kyla croaked out. Blood leaking from the side of her mouth as she smirked.

“Could’ve fooled me.” He said with a barely visible eyeroll.

“And yes..we did..” She said as she used her free hand to help steady herself as she kissed his cheek. “That was for helping save me.”

When she pulled off his helmet he was about to protest, saying that it was not the right time for that, but then he saw an opportunity to tease her a bit, only to be stopped dead in his tracks, in every sense of the word by what happened next.

Hovering her lips in front of his she finally threw both arms around his neck and kissed him.

“That was for helping save my sister..”She said as she leaned back.

He was stunned into silence by this. For one if any such thing were to happen he’d have expected to be grabbed by his armor and pulled into it, not see her throw herself into it. He still has much to learn about this woman. He smiled at her, “anytime. Besides, if things regarding the war go the way they have in the past, you and your sister should she choose to stay, may have an opportunity to turn the tables on me.”

A wet plop sounding at her feet as she went pale. “Shit..” She muttered glancing at the part of her intestines that had plopped down at the knights feet.

“Help..Me..Out..of here please..” She said looking ready to pass out as the wound was already closing organs reforming inside. Until that process was done she was almost comatose.

He nodded urgently, redonned his helm and sheathed his messer. He scooped her up and walked out of the cell, the soldiers outside didn’t even need orders, they went ahead and cleared the way. Once they were outside the walls, Eberwolf left Kyla in the care of the field medics, then returned to the battle, freeing captives and killing mercenaries. He wouldn’t destroy the place though, he’d need whatever information he could get from it afterwards, then and only then would he lay it to waste.

 

[Heike Eisen]

Heike took off her coat once Ferelith had emerged, helping her wrap the article around herself. "There," she said, allowing herself to smile now that they were in the relative safety of being outside Bryn's cave. It would have been nice if she could have offered Ferelith something that wasn't spattered with actual refuse and so foul smelling, but it could not be helped.

"The camp is this way. There are traps, but I remember the path Kyla took through here. Follow behind me."

Yet Heike had hardly taken two steps before Ferelith spoke her name, and Kyla's, and Sir Eberwolf's. Heike stopped. Glanced back. And she saw through the dimness of the early night the beads of sweat forming on Ferelith's forehead, running down it. Ferelith went down to her knees, breathing rapidly.

Heike's eyes widened. She turned around and crouched in front of her, placing a palm urgently on her shoulder. "Ferelith, what's happening? Did they not cure you? What's going on? Do you know?"

No. No, no, no, that would be terrible. This entire ordeal had been in service to curing Ferelith's strange ailment that Bryn had brought upon her. Was it not so? Did Bryn or one of her lackeys not do it? Intentionally? Or...worse...what if Heike and Kyla had been too quick? Rescuing Ferelith before it could be completed?

She didn't know. Hell's fury, she just didn't know.

Ferelith Scathach Sir Eberwolf Kinniger

 

[Ferelith Scathach]

“I’m..” Ferelith struggled out for a moment. Her entire body tensed as it suddenly relaxed. Her breathing normal. She slowly stood. Her eyes a slight grayish color fleeting as they turned to her usual deep blue.

“I’m fine..” She said almost seeming to remember she had been in pain and looking haggard. She stood slowly. Reaching for Heike to support her.

“They must have done something while I was there. My body repairs itself in odd ways. They may have messed something up and it just got a chance to fix it.” She explained.

“Let’s get back to the camp..” She said “I’m sick of smelling like shit.” She said with a tired sigh waiting for Heike to lead the way

 

[Heike Eisen]

Heike helped Ferelith find her footing in what careful way she could, worried that even though Ferelith had said she was fine that, in truth, she was anything but. Mindful of her claws, Heike brought Ferelith's arm around the small of her back, such that Ferelith could brace at least one side of herself should she stumble. And again with her damnable claws, she could not likewise hold on to Ferelith quite as securely as she would have liked.

Ferelith had her explanation, and there wasn't much Heike could do other than trust in it. "Alright. Tell me the moment you feel something ill happening. If something ill happens."

Let's get back to the camp. I'm sick of smelling like shit.

Heike laughed. Short and quiet, but it was a welcome release of tension all the same. Something she had been waiting for for a long time. "I can agree to that. We'll have to go to the lake to wash the filth and the stench off as soon as we are able."

And Heike started off, retracing Kyla's trail in the dark through the trap-laden wilderness. She spared a thought for Kyla, giving credit where credit was due: what Kyla had done to save her sister was perhaps the most noble thing Heike had ever seen Kyla do. Such was not a very extensive list of acts, it was true, but this entry was a significant one.

Heike had a moment to wonder just what Sir Eberwolf and his men were doing presently, and she needn't wonder long. On the way back she both heard and saw the siege in progress of Bryn's cave, and this came as no small relief to Heike. If Eberwolf could successfully extricate Kyla, then this whole business with Bryn could be cleanly done with--at least for the time being.

And Heike could keep her word.

Ferelith Scathach Sir Eberwolf Kinniger

 

[Ferelith Scathach]

“Fair enough..” Ferelith said with a smirk at her loves chuckle. Hers ending in a cough she kept suppressed. Only a slight shake of her shoulders.

She looked as the underground labyrinth of a fortress was laid siege. “This isn’t over..” She muttered almost to herself. And the look on Heikes face told her the vampire thought the same thing.

A shiver running up her spine before she could stop herself from reacting. She bit her lip to keep from shaking at the thought of seeing any of those awful people again.

They had scared her. Ferelith had faced many foes undaunted by odds or skill. But these foes left her gripped in fear and she was trying her heart out to not let it be so. Like one being on fire and beating people away claiming they need no water and are perfectly fine.

While not as dangerous, it was just as obvious. She would open up to Heike when the time came. She trusted her love, but fleeing from a compound under siege form the only enemies that could strike fear into a aggressive nearly deathless bandit.

“And when we clean up I’ll help make sure your..Very clean..” She whispered in her ear with a wry wink and a slight but meaningful tightening of her grip around the small of Heikes back. In truth she was very far from alright.

She remembered what they had done to her..well not exactly..but what she had been awake for was burned into her mind. Her love was haggard and this was hardly a time to dwell. It wasn’t something to worry about for now..She limped along with Heike until they finally made it back to camp. Pale but not more so than she usually was they finally got back to their tent. Ferelith steadily getting more and more healthy as they got away from that awful place. “After you.” She would say with a playful wink sweeping aside the canvas door way and giving a grateful sigh as she began searching for a change of clothes.

After seizing them she would wait for her love to get things together as well before grabbing her by her hand with out a care for the claws one even cutting her palm. She didn’t even flinch.

“Besides for saving me.. I have a treat for you. One many don’t often get to appreciate so be very honored.” She would say with a genuine smile as she dragged the vampire to the lake. Already seeming to almost be fully recovered. Her right eye twitching occasionally. She was distracting herself from something, but what would remain to be seen.

 

[Sir Eberwolf Kinniger]

Eberwolf withdrew his men from the besieged encampment. His men had freed several of the prisoners, and many of the mercenaries had surrendered as it became clear that victory for them was impossible. But their lives weren't spared, as they were brought back to the line only to be thrown into the pits that had been filled with oil and set alight. The sounds of screams and the smell of burning flesh would reach the immediate area. The camp was empty, and Bryn had gotten out. So the place was put to the torch, nothing was left but ash upon the army’s return to the fort.

Very few of the soldiers were injured, those that were were carried back on stretchers and brought straight to the medical tents, among them was Kyla. Eberwolf was the last one back, his armor covered entirely in a grotesque mixture of blood a soot. Upon his return a sentry approached him.

“Sir, the vampire and second conscript have returned.” He informed.

“Thank you. As you were.”

The soldier saluted and returned to his post. The soldiers removed their armor and went to the tubs, where they would wash. Eberwolf was not among them, going instead to the command tent, and reviewing the map, the enemy had been dealt with for now but they weren’t the primary threat. He needed to think, and they would need to move out within the week.

 

[Heike Eisen]

Very clean. How delightfully thorough, and Heike had remarked as such. It was good to have Ferelith back and as she was. Even if there seemed to be some lingering physical symptoms like that cough that had gripped her, the crushing worry of the full ailment and the prospect of being returned to the Wolves for the remedy had made Ferelith into a woman nearly unrecognizable in demeanor.

Heike dipped with a smile and an almost theatrical flair through the flap of the tent once prompted. She allowed for herself a small serving of joy and exuberance, and if Sir Eberwolf so happened to return with Kyla, then she would allow for quite a lot more. But as it currently stood to Heike's reckoning, she and Ferelith would get cleaned up, and then Heike at least would set out to see what could be done about Kyla. A determination would have to made then. But sooner or later, Heike would be obligated to tell Ferelith about the decision she had come to regarding Sir Eberwolf, the War, and his willingness to utilize necromancy.

Heike picked up a change of clothes as well. A simple smock that she now held in her hand and would wear while she waited for her other clothes to dry.

"Alright, let's--oh, Ferelith, be careful," Heike said, having quickly taken notice of the cut one of her claws made in Ferelith's palm. She knew that such a wound was incredibly minor to Ferelith, but the stark fact that her damnable claws had cut into her was mildly upsetting nonetheless.

The walk to the lake was a short one, spanned in minutes whose number could be counted with the fingers of one hand. Given that Sir Eberwolf (fortuitously) had decided to bring his army, the lake had provided an adequate and convenient water source for his men.

Heike sat down by the lakeshore and started to take off her dirtied shoes and socks. The silvery glow of Lessat was reflected on the water, along with the speckles of some of the stars. One could be forgiven for being taken in by it, for feeling a sense of peace, for not knowing the horror and the cruelty that was only a short distance removed from this idyllic sight.

Besides for saving me.. I have a treat for you. One many don’t often get to appreciate so be very honored.

Despite making a small waving-off gesture, Heike was flattered. In the spirit of the common grateful and half-hearted refusal, she said, "You do not need to. Truly. It was only right to liberate you from Bryn, and your sister gave more in the effort than I."

Ferelith Scathach Sir Eberwolf Kinniger

 

[Ferelith Scathach]

“No, no. I insist.” She said ignoring her lovers protest and half hearted waves of dismissal giving her a pat on her shoulder with a slight squeeze.

“But first...” She said with a slight smirk and the same wink she always used when she was about to do something to impress Heike. She took a fast running start her speed even half hearted was always a sight as her bare feet kicked up the loose gravel that made up the lakes shore.

She actually ran on the water for a moment the thin layer of water joining the gravel as it joined the stars in the sky glittering for a moment before pushing off of the shallow shore and leaping high into the air flipping in her graceful way before diving into the water with barely a splash.

One couldn’t help but think with her abilities
in another life she could have been a dancer or performer rather than what life had twisted and forced her into.

She popped up to the surface shooting back to the shore “Cold! Cold! Cold!” She squeaked popping back to the shore she finally was able to slip close to the deeper parts and finish washing her hair.

The speed of her dive blasting away the filth that had covered her. She came back to shore proper. Her long beautiful blonde locks bouncing in a wet tangle as she tied it into a loose bun to allow it to begin to dry. After she was changed she would plop next to Heike.

Only her usual chest wrap with some pants the prison had given her she had once again found a way to cut into shorts. It was all quite revealing in her usual style and yet she blushed as Heike met her gaze. As usual it was really only her lovers attention that brought any kind of thought to her look.

“It’s a beautiful night.” She agreed with her lovers gaze as they looked into the sky together.

“It’s like the first night..When ..” Her brain seemed to halt at the memory seeming to struggle with it. Her twitch in her eye worsening for a few moments before her brain seemed to simply push it aside her twitch subsiding.

“..Anyway..go..go get cleaned up your filthy. I’ll have your surprise ready when you get out.” She said replacing her pained expression with a playful smirk.

She swept her stray hair aside only to reveal a small scar. Though Ferelith had a healing ability she still bore old scars from the days before her healing was “gifted to her.” Three to be exact. The most notable of these looked like it was from a monster in her shoulder judging by the teeth marks, the others a stab wound, and the last two short twin slashes.

While besides those having pretty much flawless skin despite her tattoos and far from the tapestry of pain life had marked into her sisters hide.

This one was different...was an angry dark grey. And looked..Fresher than the others. It was quickly swept away from view as she decided to toss her hair back to the other side covering it. “Go on..” She said gesturing for Heike to go.

 

[Kyla Scathach]

“I’m done ok I’m leaving! Goodbye!” The healer stomped out of the tent Kyla had been placed in. “Unbelievable..” She muttered grimly as Kyla laid in her bed. Arms crossed and expression crosser.

“And don’t come back! I told you once already I’m fine!” She called after her with an indignant snort. In truth her body ached from the battle and what had ensued afterwards. But mostly what was bothering her was the knowledge that it wasn’t over. If her sister had been with any one but Heike Kyla would have been worried about their return as well. But that woman was resourceful and the only person she would possibly conceive trusting with her sister.

Even if that respect and duty was given and admitted to as begrudgingly as possible. She didn’t need to ask where her knight was. She knew he would be back in the command tent. While her body demanded rest part of her wishes to join him now.

Her mind just as driven and restless as her new lovers. She knew he would not truely rest until this crisis was truly over, and she resisted pushing herself even harder than she had already to make that a reality. But she would be useless to him unless she rested so for now she did so even if grumpily.

 

[Sir Eberwolf Kinniger]

(Nothing to really contribute, pass)

 

[Heike Eisen]

Heike did not refuse further. She had said that Ferelith didn't need to reward her or gift her anything for the what she had done, but she was honestly curious. So, with a small nod, she relented in her mild refusal, saying, "Very well then."

But first things first. They were both still wretchedly filthy, this accompanied by the horrid stench that had been torture on Heike's enhanced sense of smell ever since she first crawled up the refuse tunnel. It was perhaps a sad fact of life that one could get used to such an horrendous odor through prolonged exposure. In a way Heike had, for while it was suffocatingly unpleasant, it had not been enough to give Heike pause at any point. She wasn't sure if she could attribute this to her affliction or through the experiences of smelling the aftermaths of many a battlefield.

Heike stood as Ferelith dove into the water in an impressive display. Continued to take off her soiled clothing. Her belts, her pants, her gloves, her mask and her shawl. She was down to just her shirt when Ferelith came back to the lakeshore.

It's a beautiful night.

"It is," Heike agreed, carefully pinching the cloth of her shirt with the flats of her fingers and taking it off. She left the clean smock neatly folded on the shore and gathered her dirty clothing and stepped into the water. The cold water, yet it did not bother her as it had Ferelith. A subtle reminder of what Heike was, and what she lacked.

She descended into the water until she was up to her neck in it. She dipped her head below, completely submerging herself. Another reminder as she lingered underneath the water's surface, feeling no compulsion to breathe--but enough of that. A shame that she had no pumice or soap, or even access to the ingredients to make it. Well, if the stench clung, wood ash was readily available.

Heike whipped her head up and out of the water, carefully combing through her hair with her claws; she set about washing off herself and her clothes as best she could.

As she did, she eventually settled on what would be prudent to do for Ferelith after they were done at the lake. A trip to the army's healers, just a quick assessment, would be wise. If for nothing else than to put Heike's mind at ease, despite Ferelith's assurances that her body repaired itself in strange ways.

For Heike had seen the scars when Ferelith had come back to shore. And though no conscious thought of hers made special mention of them, a silent concern coalesced with the worry about the previous cough and collapse.

* * * * *​

Heike returned to the lakeshore after some time. Naked, dripping wet along with her clothes, which had more or less been returned to normal: ragged and worn instead of filthy. She set her wet clothes down neatly on the gravel, shook some of the excess water off of her arms and her legs, then sat. She figured she'd allow herself to dry off to a degree before donning the smock--which, without body heat or the rays of the sun (funny enough), might take a while.

To Ferelith she said with a receptive smile, "So you had a surprise, then?"

Ferelith Scathach Sir Eberwolf Kinniger

 

[Ferelith Scathach]

“Oh!” Ferelith snapped from the trance induced by seeing her lover so plainly. Her body distracting her from even the gorgeous night sky.

Ferelith deciding it only served to compliment Heikes figure further. “I was wanting to give you this..I made it..Well Kyla helped...” Ferelith paused as heat flooded her cheeks. As usual such acts always seemed to fluster her in a way that other much more daunting tasks in life that she handled easily.

“Ok..She helped a lot....just..just turn around..” She would say unable to meet her loves eyes and waiting for her to turn around. Once she obeyed Ferelith would produce a necklace. A small chain of special metal her sister had found in one of her journeys. It held the same shine of silver but a slight white that tinged and added to the shine.

Connected to the intricate, delicate chain was a two inch tall silver tree. On its small branches a variety of rubies were set as apples, and in the center of the trunk was set a sapphire. Obviously the work of a professional ( Kyla) that would have cost gold by the fistful.

The tree was cast and etched so as to look like it was shrunken and plucked from the ground whole. It was truly a work of passion and love. Ferelith would gently drape it over Heikes shoulders and fit the clasp in the back. It glittered in the darkness as Ferelith would gently turn her around to face her.

A real smile finally breaking through the storm that had been clouding her expression and emotion.

“I just..I wanted something that reminded you... of me.... If you don’t want to wear it..” Ferelith said her cheeks lighting to red at full force. Her pale skin contrasting it further.

 

[Sir Eberwolf Kinniger]

Eberwolf had taken care of the immediate business. Guards had been assigned to the walls, and the watch had been doubled, and the dogs were deployed to the dens lining the inside of the walls, ready to defend the camp if needed. The scouts returned, saying that trackers were following what they could, and no one was found nearby. So for now, they had nothing to do besides wait.

So he had nothing to do at the moment, at least so far as the army was concerned. In light of this, he decided to check on Kyla. On his way he saw the fuming medic and immediately understood what had happened. He gave a small laugh to himself then continued on. He pushed aside the flap of the tent and stepped in, “Kyla?”

If she were asleep he’d leave her be, if she responded he’d continue. “How are you feeling?”

 

[Kyla Scathach]

“I said I feel fine if yo-!” She began her hackles already raised before she saw the knights face and his tone registered in her mind.

“Oh..It’s you..” She said with a slight smirk as the bravado left her expression and she seemed to deflate before his eyes. Her walls built so high, but the back gate readily open for her knight.

“In that case I feel like a war wagon ran me over..but I’m worried..” She stared at the ground for a moment. Choosing her words.

“It isn’t over between our sister and us..She will be back eventually. As much as you’ve done I doubt it did much. The organization doesn’t make itself so plain. I’m sure any damages or losses were minimal in the grand scheme.” She said exhaling with a huff of frustration. “Even when you beat them back it turns out they planned it all along..” she sighed again but this was with hopelessness rather than frustration.

“But..thank you for saving me....and everything you’ve done til now..”

She said softly. A tone she seemed to reserve for only her sister now seemed to be reserved for him as well.

 

[Heike Eisen]

Heike, her back to Ferelith after shifting to one side, waited with a wandering curiosity, traveling down this path and that path of imagined possibility. And then she felt it. The metal of the necklace, warmed by the heat of Ferelith's hand, draping down around her neck and touching the top of her chest. She looked down. Touched it lightly with the side of her forefinger and angled the large tree pendant up. And she was lost for words, an awed gratitude overcoming her and holding fast until Ferelith began to turn her around.

"If I don't want to wear it? Gunhild, it's beautiful." Heike did not even notice the slip of saying her given name, the association between seeing it on a necklace before and her charged reaction to receiving a necklace now allowing for it to happen.

Heike reached over with a one-armed embrace and leaned into her. Kissed her with a passion that she had not known for years. It was such a strange (and at times awful) turn of events, all that had happened between Heike and Ferelith--how they had gone from mortal enemies to here beside the lake. But in all the dark years of Heike's affliction, she found light where least she expected it.

She pulled back, still with one hand touching the pendant of the necklace and gently rubbing it with a thumb. "Thank you. I shall wear it, and hold to it as dearly as I do the insignia of my knighthood."

Heike grabbed the smock then and stood up. Slipped the garment on. Began collecting her wet clothes and articles. And she said, "We should return to camp. See about Kyla."

It was a lovely moment out here, but alas, they were only enjoying it because of Kyla's self-sacrifice.

Ferelith Scathach Sir Eberwolf Kinniger

 

[Ferelith Scathach]

“D-don’t c-“ She began with a slight chuckle a blush rushing to her cheeks as her protest was cut off by a kiss.

A passion that she had only ever felt from Heike. It was a welcome feeling this night after everything that had happened. Flashes of it crept into her mind as she closed her eye and allowed the passion to push them away for the briefest of moments. But these respites were never long. Soon she was brought back to reality as the embrace was finally broken.

“M-maybe I don’t mind so much...” She said even though her tone and expression made it apparent that she didn’t care what Heike called her. She accepted the compliment with a smirk and a loving arm thrown across her lovers lower back pulling her close.

“Fine..I guess we should see what that old wolf is up to. From what we saw though..I wouldn’t be surprised if he got her out..”

She said with a certain confidence. She never trusted anything wholly. Her up bringing simply didn’t allow for it.

Heike was just now starting to obtain it completely, but much like Heike the knight had seemed to have obtained a certain level of respect for ability that had earned them a few pegs above the rest. But just because she trusted him to do something didn’t mean she wouldn’t gut him like a fish if it came to it.

That feeling festered in her mind for a few moments before it pushed it out and it sank to rot in her stomach. She walked back with Heike a smile on her face and a slight spring in her step.

The circumstances that would force that would be extreme and it was useless to think about something so unlikely to occur. So they made their way to camp. Keeping her lover close like she never wanted to lose her again. She would undoubtedly. She was not blinded to her loves own journey and goals, but it would not be tonight.

“When this is over...” She said suddenly as the camp came into view.

“What of us..” She said with a slight tensed fear entering her tone like an unwanted thief set to steal the warmth from the moment. “I do not expect you to always be by my side. I know your quest..and I know you would wish to go alone..but my heart..” She halted placing one hand on her heart and the other on Heike’s.

“I will not be selfish..but my heart hurts for you..I wish I could aid you..” She seemed lost at what to say but was grappling with it furiously. “I..I just never have met someone who’s heart is so still and yet so large...I can’t lose you..” She said quietly.

 

[Sir Eberwolf Kinniger]

“I said I feel fine if yo-!” She began her hackles already raised before she saw the knights face and his tone registered in her mind.

“Oh..It’s you..” She said with a slight smirk as the bravado left her expression and she seemed to deflate before his eyes. Her walls built so high, but the back gate readily open for her knight.

“In that case I feel like a war wagon ran me over..but I’m worried..” She stared at the ground for a moment. Choosing her words.

“It isn’t over between our sister and us..She will be back eventually. As much as you’ve done I doubt it did much. The organization doesn’t make itself so plain. I’m sure any damages or losses were minimal in the grand scheme.” She said exhaling with a huff of frustration. “Even when you beat them back it turns out they planned it all along..” she sighed again but this was with hopelessness rather than frustration.

“But..thank you for saving me....and everything you’ve done til now..”

She said softly. A tone she seemed to reserve for only her sister now seemed to be reserved for him as well.

So she had been a little mean to the healer, oh well, she wasn't exactly attacking them so it wasn't a big problem, besides, they dealt with soldiers like that all the time when they came close to death or any really harrowing experience, it was a common reaction.

She expressed how she felt, and her worries. He sat down on the stool beside her for, "You'll get better soon, I know you will. And I expected as much, you needn't worry about them too much for the time being though, and they have themselves a permanent enemy in my people. You're safe here. Though in light of recent events, I would ask you and your sister to reconsider your stance on armor, I can have two sets commissioned and made by month-end."

Then she thanked him, and he smiled, "Anytime Kyla."

He would stay and talk to her for quite a while, able to relax around her as he was rarely able to do.

Spoiler: If she can get up in the next hour

"Why don't you and I grab a bath? We're both absolutely filthy, and I do believe I owe you a peek for what I witnessed in the tower."

 

[Kyla Scathach]

“Nay..” Kyla said. Her spine accent creeping into her words as she smirked grimly at her lover. “We rarely change our ways. And I doubt armor would have saved us any more than could be expected. Even if I had a set I would have forgone it for stealth in this case either way.” She continued.

“But the sound logic and grandness of gesture rings true and warms my heart.” She said reaching to rest her hand on his knee as he sat next to her. They talked for a bit in a relaxing way.

They spoke of the battle, but also of home, family, weapons, and armor. In all honesty Kyla was sorry when it ended the rusty gate to her heart able to freak open a few inches and allow someone a chance to peak inside as they allowed her. Her hand moving from his knee to his hand giving it a slight squeeze as he suggested they take a bath.

“I would like that very much..” She admitted. “I was only staying in this bed because the healer threatened me with paralysis. Where do you find mages like that. She has fire..” Kyla said with a good natured smirk crept back into her expression.

She had remembered the same medic working on her sister as well. She rose allowing Eberwolf to help her up and maintained the grip on his hand as they began to leave. She sniffed the air for a moment as they approached the door.

“Ferelith is returning..” She said her smirk growing into a fully relaxed grin. A single team taken from her plate crammed to its tipping point. But one I team was enough for now.

Others would follow in time..

 

[Heike Eisen]

What of us..

Heike stopped when she heard the tone of Ferelith's words. The lights of the army's camp were ahead--harsher orange light of fires than those soft rippling reflections of silver in the lakewater. Heike placed a hand over Ferelith's own--neither witness to a beating heart within her chest.

I can't lose you..

"And I you," Heike said. She came forward to embrace her, and in that closeness the dual comfort of feeling her warmth and the solemn knowing that she had none of her own to give in return. This was, unfortunately, the time, now that the subject had been broached.

Heike pulled back. Looked to Ferelith with a resolve that took firm precedence over her own personal feelings. She came right out and said it, "Sir Eberwolf and I had a disagreement. It concerned the use of necromancy, and I objected so strongly on the matter that I could only issue him an ultimatum: that if he chose to work with the necromancer he brought, then it would be to the exclusion of myself, for I would depart his cause. And he did so choose."

That old echo of life, a breath of air during a brief pause in what she was saying. Heike touched the side of Ferelith's shoulder with the palm of her hand.

"You will have to finish your levied service here without me. Do so with honor and dignity, and I swear to you, I will see you when first I hear word of your release from Alliria. Seek out Captain Bronmarch of the Allirian Guard--I will be in close contact with him. He is a good man, and I trust him to help us. Then we may be together again. And yes, I've my duty to Reikhurst, and yes, I may have to venture alone or in exclusive company in service to this duty. My body may be far in these times, but my heart shall not be. For I love you, Ferelith."

Some of that would undoubtedly be hard to hear, and Heike knew the longing pain she would feel if the roles were reversed. But it was said time and time again by her fellow knights of the Order, that the road of honor was a hard one indeed.

Heike offered her a smile, and said, "If Kyla was indeed extricated by Sir Eberwolf, then I will spend the remainder of the night with you, and depart at dawn."

Ferelith Scathach Sir Eberwolf Kinniger

 

[Sir Eberwolf Kinniger]

“Nay..” Kyla said. Her spine accent creeping into her words as she smirked grimly at her lover. “We rarely change our ways. And I doubt armor would have saved us any more than could be expected. Even if I had a set I would have forgone it for stealth in this case either way.” She continued.

“But the sound logic and grandness of gesture rings true and warms my heart.” She said reaching to rest her hand on his knee as he sat next to her. They talked for a bit in a relaxing way.

“‘Twas but a suggestion.” He said, (I forgot to mention his own accent, XD, think Germans speaking English), “though I’m glad that you appreciate it all the same.

They spoke of the battle, but also of home, family, weapons, and armor. In all honesty Kyla was sorry when it ended the rusty gate to her heart able to freak open a few inches and allow someone a chance to peak inside as they allowed her. Her hand moving from his knee to his hand giving it a slight squeeze as he suggested they take a bath.

Home, his home wasn’t anything special, constant training from the age of five, every failure, no matter how minute, met with the lash. It wasn’t something he wanted to bring up because it tended to darken pleasant conversations.

Family, it was here that she would learn that Eberwolf also had a sister, her name was Ser Anya Kinniger, and she had been sent away by their father Remmond before she was old enough to partake in war. He had more to say but he wouldn’t bring it up unless things started to get sad.

Weapons, one of his all time favorite topics, he loved weapons, especially two handed ones like the kriegsmesser and the zweihander Andy longsword, but also adept in the one handed swords, namely the messer and arming sword. He gladly and intently listened to her own choices on the matter.

Armor was a straightforward topic, her preference being due to tradition, his due to practicality, an interesting and compelling discussion.

“I would like that very much..” She admitted. “I was only staying in this bed because the healer threatened me with paralysis. Where do you find mages like that. She has fire..” Kyla said with a good natured smirk crept back into her expression.

He smiled, then chuckled at her ‘she has fire’ statement. “Yes, most of my people do, and you might understand why. As for paralysis, it’s a standard spell taught to most women, used for self defense mostly but also useful for keeping violent patients from killing the doctors trying to save their lives.”

She had remembered the same medic working on her sister as well. She rose allowing Eberwolf to help her up and maintained the grip on his hand as they began to leave. She sniffed the air for a moment as they approached the door.

“Ferelith is returning..” She said her smirk growing into a fully relaxed grin. A single team taken from her plate crammed to its tipping point. But one I team was enough for now.

Others would follow in time..

He helped pull her to her feet, and he walked with her. They walked a while along the trodden dirt that was the floor of the fort, and she had informed him that Ferelith was returning. “Well let’s hope that she is well enough. The guards know to look for her, she and Heike had stopped by to get some clothes. I imagine Heike will need to pick up a couple of things before she leaves, I hope so, if she truly intends to leave us, a warning is in order. Not a threat mind you, just a warning. Virtues forbid she be caught by my father.”

They entered a large tent, in which there were several large tubs of wood buried in the earth so that only the lip of each protruded from the ground, keeping dirt out. The water had been warmed by the amount of people that had bathed not long ago, the blood and grime having been removed somehow.

He worked to remove his plate harness, starting with the helmet he set them neatly on the ground, then his spaulders, his gauntlets, arm plates, chestpiece, quisses (thigh and knee plates), his greaves then his sabatons (armored shoes). Then his arming doublet and gambeson pants, and finally his undergarments before stepping into the tub with Kyla.

 

[Kyla Scathach]

Kyla simply tossed her blood covered garments aside leaving her in only a chest wrap which she discarded as well before plopping into the tub with a relaxed sigh. “This...This is nice..” She said with a smirk as the knight followed suit if not in a neater fashion than she herself had approached the task..but such was his nature..charming in a way Kyla found refreshing if not slightly unnerving.

She wasn’t one for change, and in light of her usual affairs this man was a large change to what she was accustomed to. Neat, polite, bound by oaths and principles were not carved into the headstones of who you’d find in her list of lovers to date. She let her eyes wander slightly down his body, but in a way of curiosity and not particularly lust. She was reminded of the times they had spent together.

The monster hunters..Then the trip here.. “She is an odd one isn’t she..That Heike..” Sge said after a moment. He had mentioned her and the remembrance of her past events brought her to the front of her thoughts after almost being pushed far away by the knight disrobing. She had scooted around to be next to him in the tub. It was clear her intentions were pure. While a big talker and seemingly the veteran of many tosses in the bed she was far less promiscuous when they were alone.

Much more gentle..but far from the ravenous lover she had claimed to be. Perhaps it was because she cared for him.. Others had been toys to play with and either break or use until she was satisfied. Eberwolf was no such thing and so she almost seemed to do so from a slight respect that had been forming since they met.

 

[Ferelith Scathach]

“Leave?..T-tomorrow?” Ferelith was already beginning to shake her head. “No..you c..can’t..Eberwolf would release me..K-Kyla could convince him..” She brushed her lovers hand from her shoulder and pulled her back into a tight, protective embrace...It bordered on painful... She knew the inevitable, but seemed to steuggle

”I won’t lose you like the others..They all have these hills they chose to die on..” Tears were forming in her eyes..Flashes of conversations just like this one..and flashes of how they ended...

”They chose those hills..Those orders, those self righteous ideals..Chose them all over me..and they never even had the decency to leave me properly..They just leave..They would always be back...and they never returned..” Her shoulders already shaking with a panicked sort of sadness.

Like a woman finding water in a desert and being told she must allow it to sink into the ground with the promise of return. “Don’t..not like this..please..” She looked up into Heikes eyes. Hers already brimming with pleading tears, but her eyes still held understanding.

Deep down she would wait with a bleeding heart for her lover to return until she saw the corpse. But her emotions and heart would not allow her to accept it.