Come one, come all, feast your eyes upon this legend you are about to read. This be a magnificent tale to lay thine eyes upon. Read on as I weave a spectacular tale for your enjoyment. ‘Tis all about how a pair of earrings was the start of an epic love story for a bard and a gladiator. It all began with a bard by the name of Claudine, and a gladiator whom we shall come to know as EvilClown. Their romantic saga began many Deochs ago, during a typical spring for Temuair when the weather was splendid.
‘Twas around the time when our bard was desperately searching far and wide for beautiful jewellery. Polgara, the bard’s sister, was in dire need of andor salve earrings, desiring to yield ever more power in her bow, needing the earrings to learn a more powerful method to her Star Arrow technique. Through Claudine’s frantic search for the feather like jewels is how she first encountered her gladiator. Having previously been guildmates, their contact was limited to passing moments shared with their entire guild but never an actual conversation occuring between the two alone.
Hunting the earrings was perilous as they were only found in the deepest rooms of Andor Dungeon. Despite her many Deochs of wisdom, she did not think herself fit to lead a group into the bowels of Andor and live to tell the tale. So instead of hunting them, she’d laboured many moons dyeing fine garments, brewing precious potions and braving the Creants themselves with her friend Lyle. This was all in the desire to garner riches from other Aislings in exchange for her goods.
Every few suns, Claudine had carefully scripted posts, then pinned the many parchments onto the various towns’ bank boards, however, each note had gone unanswered. Without warning, life as she knew it, was about to change.
The sky was bright on that day, beautifully lit up by the glowing sun, the air was balmy, and a slight breeze playfully scattered blades of grass and seeds here, there and everywhere. With the smell of fresh grass lingering around Pravat cave, Claudine had seated herself under a tree by the fountain next to her friend Lyle, whereupon she was lamenting her inability to procure the earrings. The feeling of defeat lay heavy upon her. EvilClown was lounging under the rays of the sun toasting himself nearby. Gazing from underneath his shiny spectacles, he had been enthralled by the fair maiden, hanging onto her every word.
As his eyes roved over her, he could see the bard was a comely lass with a shapely figure. Resting on a leather thong tied around her waist was a well polished Rosewood harp, and she was clothed in a beautifully dyed and fitted Rucesion bansagart which further highlighted her profile. From beneath her blue skirts was two small feet in blue leather sandals peeking out, as due to how petite she was, her dress had a tendency to drag along the floor. Her hair, as black as conix stones, flowed downwards to rest upon her shoulders just as a waterfall might cascade over rocks. Styling some sort of white streak into her locks that was as white as freshly fallen snow, her hair was then adorned with dark blue antennae from Andor ants which she’d made into a headband. The hair that framed her face accentuated her delicate features. Claudine had soft, small, rose bud lips, and steely blue eyes with a hint of grey flecked in them that seemed as deep as caverns. Those eyes were surrounded by feathery long lashes the colour of a dark, winter’s night. Her luminous skin was pale as the moonlight with a smattering of freckles over the bridge of her nose and underneath those eyes which EvilClown could easily envision himself getting lost in. Her face seemed harsh with her high cheekbones, but her nose was shaped almost like a button one might find on a shirt.
EvilClown made a cursory glance at the male seated next to her. He was slightly taller than the girl, with a boring face that was as plain as a well weathered rock, his dirty blonde hair styled upwards, nothing unspeakably handsome he decided.
'It does not appear the lady is anything more than friends with that druid, as she has been moving herself whenever he makes attempts to be nearer her' he let out a low chuckle as he thought. 'I’ve got many andor salve earrings, perhaps I should assist the maiden in her quest'.
He rose from the ground in one fluid motion to walk over to the ancient oak tree which she was settled beneath with her companion.
Hearing a quiet rustle through the grass, her view went dark all of a sudden, for towering in front of her was a vast figure.
“Greetings, your name is Claudine, if my observations serve me well?” EvilClown greeted her.
Blinking in surprise she replied, “Oh. Aye, ‘tis my name. Good day Sir. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Peering down at the young woman he pressed on, “I did not intend to be, but I was privy to your conversation with this fellow. I have some earrings stored in my vault at the bank of Abel. I may be able to help.”
“Oh! Thank Danaan! I would truly appreciate your time if I could barter with you for a few pairs. I have enough coin now, due to labouring these past moons and even performing a few weddings here and there. Oh, pardon my still being seated” she bit her lip as she said this, feeling rather rude.
“Nonsense m’lady. Here, let me assist you.”
The giant of a man put his hand out to pull her upright. The moment that his giant hand enclosed her miniscule, delicate hand, the priestess let out a small gasp. Claudine felt her cheeks begin to grow warmer by the second. EvilClown gulped, 'she must have felt it too' he thought to himself. As soon as their bare skin had touched, they’d both flinched as if hit by a weak lightning bolt. The electricity between the pair was most unexpected.
Lyle who was still seated on the ground next to where the girl had been sat visibly scowled. He had noted both of their reactions and this was just the beginning of his being consumed by a green eyed monster, whom we shall call quite simply, jealousy.
“No bartering shall be required dear lady. For I have many pairs, I can spare enough for your kin.”
Her small mouth popped open in surprise. “You are most kind good sir, I would appreciate that if you’re sure you dont mind.”
“It shall be my pleasure m’lady. I’ll make haste at once and return with what you require, if you would await my return. I would make better time than if we were to walk together” and with that, EvilClown paused a moment, then strode swiftly over the grass towards the town that he spoke of.
Claudine studied the gladiator as he departed. He was one of the strongest pure gladiators in Temuair, a giant standing a head over most men. Claudine herself barely came to the man’s chest having to crane upwards to converse with the lad. As she studied the warrior, seeming to be as big as a mountain, she could see he had strong, broad shoulders, and crimson hair which rippled in the breeze. He had donned a grass kilt which showed his sculpted legs as well as his large attractive arms, his barrel chest hidden by the floral garland strung around his neck. Slung across his back was a Cathonic shield and an impressive Eclipse hung from a scabbard at his hip. Shiny spectacles rested on his face hiding his eyes but his playful grin was visible. She grew warm, with a small smile blooming along her mouth, as her eyes had rested upon his lips before he made his exit. His lips being of a soft blush pink hue, his smile making him a friendly giant she decided. He was quite a sight to behold. 'I yearn to make his acquaintance further, though I cannot see his returning this interest of mine' she thought to herself.
Anxiously stepping through the sunlit grass near the fountain, the priestess leaned over and peered into the still water, she could see some coppers littering the bottom of the stone basin as well as her own reflection. Her hands felt the cold grainy stone beneath her fingertips which was in stark contrast to the warmth of the sun she felt on the back of her neck.
'I wasn’t expecting such an act of kindness. For all that I assist younger Aislings with, perhaps my God Fiosachd has sent him to me by way of thanks. Fiosachd appears to be saving me some coin, how amusing to think such a thought!' she mused to herself. Claudine was still deep in thought, when Lyle approached her. She’d seen his reflection in the still waters so did not jump at the sound of this voice.
“Claud, I could have purchased those had I only known how great your need was. I did not realise you were labouring so hard just to make gold for those earrings.”
She turned to face him, “No need. I do not expect you to buy things for me, especially not something for my sister” she continued to gaze into the water.
Lyle did not get further chance to reply as he heard approaching footsteps. It appears that EvilClown had attended to his bank vault much quicker than expected.
'Why does he have to be such an awe inspiring gladiator? Generous with his items too, maybe he will not deign to bother her again after this gift giving moment has passed. Mayhap she will not notice if I flee this scene, I cannot watch her conversing with this man when it is clear he finds her attractive.. Which she most certainly is a fine looking woman. I cannot blame him for that at least' with a sigh, Lyle swiftly left Pravat Cave to be alone with his thoughts. As a skilled druid he barely disturbed the blades of grass as he went.
EvilClown slowly approached Claudine who seemed rather melancholy, staring into the fountain with her back turned from everything else, appearing to be lost in the depths of the fountain.
“Hail, Claudine, I have returned. I have retrieved the earrings from my vault.”
Claudine’s smile radiated and was directed at EvilClown as she turned to greet the warrior with a small wave.
As she turned around, she noticed the package of earrings which seemed miniscule in his hands, they were delicately wrapped in a crimson bundle of wool.
“Greetings once again.”
EvilClown grinned in a good natured way at her sweet reaction.
“I have placed them in this scarf so that they do not hurt you, they are not as feather like as you have been led to believe dear lady.”
“Oh, that is a beautifully coloured scarf, it’s a perfect match to your hair! Please accept my thanks for these earrings.”
He nodded to her as a response, then followed with “Perhaps I shall ask your assistance in some endeavour within the coming moon, if that is agreeable to you.”
“Aye, I shall look forward to the day. Please send a letter to my residence in the inn of Rucesion, third room on the first floor. I must get these to my sister. Thank you, again.”
Claudine hurriedly took small steps towards the crossways between Pravat Cave and Piet town as EvilClown looked on, admiring her lithe form as she left Pravat Cave. He resumed the position he had previously held near the oaken tree and continued to sunbathe, eventually drifting off with his thoughts full of her smiles.
A few suns had gone by when Claudine awoke one cold, dreary morning to see she had a letter inside her pigeonhole at her home, the Rucesion inn. EvilClown appeared to have sent her a note. The rolled up parchment bore a small crimson coloured ribbon tied around the girth of it to presumably stop the letter from unfurling. Her eyes lingered on the ribbon which drew forth an image of the warrior’s face in her mind. Untying the ribbon around the parchment, she first noticed the untidy handwriting. The contents of the note were to ask for her help acquiring some polished gems he needed. Polgara, Claudine’s sister, was an accomplished gem smith. She assumed this was in exchange for the earrings, so she took a few moments to ink her quill to pen a reply. She dropped it off with the innkeeper asking Maria to make sure her reply was received by EvilClown on her way out of the Inn to ensure her sister made the gems for him.
Her reply asked the gladiator to meet her at the Rucesion dock for the gems later that day, when the sun was highest in the sky. The docks were nearest to the black market where her roguish sister had sat upon her cerulean coloured cloth, painstakingly polishing the precious rubies and beryls into an uncut state, some a finished state.
Later that day when the sun has risen to its peak before beginning its descent, EvilClown arrived at the Rucesion dock to find Claudine knelt on the floor next to a community board close to where her note said she would be. He inhaled the sharp scent of the sea, hearing some waves crashing against the stone dock gently.
Despite the size of him, he could be very quiet when he felt like it. Claudine was busy and hadn’t noticed him yet, so he took a moment to stare at the maiden. The slight breeze off of the ocean was blowing tendrils of her dark locks around her face. Sat on the path without a cloth under her, she was an untidy mess, wearing a small frown around her delicate mouth.
'She is wearing the scarf I wrapped the earrings in, how nicely it compliments her dark tresses' he thought to himself with immense pleasure.
He knew if he took a look over the hand rails separating the docks from the waves swirling beneath, he may even see some fish. The docks were a popular place for fisherman to gather to earn their supper.
Coughing slightly to get the bard’s attention, he knelt down near her as she was lost in her monotonous task.
“Greetings dear bard. I have came as per your letter, I see you have the gems then? A most welcome sight indeed” he did not mean the gems however, he was eyeing the curve of her neck as she leant over the gems she was sorting into piles for him.
She looked up to acknowledge his arrival, “Hello there. Here is what you asked for, I was putting them into separate pouches so they are easier to differentiate between the uncut and the finished gems.”
“Thank you my dear lady, that is a grand idea. My sister shall not cut her fingers as she trades them to Bertil in exchange for knowledge.”
Claudine began to close the pouches of gems, upon seeing her struggling to right herself EvilClown put out his hand to once again pull the bard off the ground. His rough dry hands chafed against the smooth, soft skin of hers. There was no denying the spark this time, they both felt it again. The biggest smile bloomed across her face as she peered upwards towards EvilClown, a grin playing around his.
“Thank you for your assistance again. Here you go” she proffered the sack of gems which she was struggling to hold upright due to its weight. His finger brushed hers as took the offering and carried it as easily as if it were weightless.
Claudine thought to herself, 'I wonder if this warrior could carry me as effortlessly as he took those heavy gems from me?' her cheeks grew hot at the thought.
“Dear bard, so this is not the last I see of you, would you accompany me on a little adventure to the ruins of Nobis some time? We should make a fine pair, for exploring the ruins. It shall be a grand adventure, what say you?”
Claudine opened her eyes in surprise, “Would I not be a hindrance? I’m small, and rather weak in comparison to yourself.”
“I shall be able to keep you quite safe I assure you my lady.” EvilClown sensing her shyness pressed on, “I shall not take no for an answer. I will send another letter to arrange this, for now I must leave. I've matters to attend to in the arena. I look forward to next our paths cross.”
Claudine nodded her head as a reply and waved to him from where she stood leaning against the board. As she watched him go, she felt a strange sensation in her stomach.
Well over a hundred deochs ago, she’d been a wizard once. Her love of books and acquiring knowledge had however gotten the better of her, as she gained all the wizarding knowledge she could, she simply sought to rededicate herself to becoming a priestess. As a priestess was where she found her true calling. Pulling the woollen scarf closer around her neck, she decided it was time for her to return to the inn as she had reams and reams of parchments to study until a restless sleep would eventually claim her for its own.
A few moons had passed, as promised, EvilClown had sent the bard letters requesting her assistance in quests he could have easily conquered by himself. The hunts to strengthen themselves had gone well and without incident. Today was another day, and he had told the bard to meet him at Nobis village so they could journey through the ruins together.
The afternoon was bright and the sun shone through the cracks in the broken walls which were the ancient ruins of Nobis, there was rumour of a great creant here, but they had both already faced the fearsome Medusa many deochs ago. Today would be their third hunt to date. In between getting together to hunt, the two had been passing their time by sending birds carrying carefully worded notes to one another. Hers often contained something silly she’d wrote and his replies usually mocked her mercilessly. She could almost imagine his laughter which belied the harsh words he wrote to her, as she knew he did not mean what he wrote.
Todays journey was to be different than the rest they’d embarked upon so far. They were picking their way over rubble and piles of bones on the dusty floor of the ruins. A monster managed to hurt him for the first time since they'd met. Her heart felt as if it was being gripped by a fist as she worried for him. The bards shout was so loud, it echoed within the ruins!
“Evil! I’m so sorry! I couldn’t heal you quick enough, are you badly hurt?”
He slowly faced her laughing, “Are you daft girl? Have you seen the size of me? I’m so strong I can pick you up with one arm, that beast barely grazed me.”
Blushing furiously she muttered something about moving on to the next monsters which were advancing upon them and began her chants to inflict the curse Darker Seal upon the enemies.
Embarrassment had caused the woman to walk ahead, then become so intent on chanting the words which would bring forth the curse and ignoring him, that a skeleton had gotten close to her while she was vulnerable. Unable to keep his eyes off her he'd already seen it. EvilClown raced over before she could react. With his sword out, his Cathonic shield cast aside, he picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder and spared her the skeletons deadly swipe. For his troubles he gained a deep ragged cut down his forearm, which he never felt due to the adrenaline coursing through his body. The most Claudine could do at this point was let out a muffled cry as she was gathered up in his powerful grasp. Without missing a beat in his deadly sword dance, he swung his blade to fell the beast with one shattering blow to its’ chest. Dust exploded in the air as the bones of the corpse flew in the direction of his sword thrust.
The Eclipse, EvilClown’s long blade which was as black as conyx rocks, dropped to the floor with a heavy thud. He slowly lifted her off his shoulder and held her in his arms. Scrambling to clutch at his neck, her legs flailing wildly, she feared she may fall. Claudine’s eyes were scrunched shut in fear. Closing his eyes to savour the moment and the scent of her perfume so close to him, he sharply exhaled. He'd been holding his breath without realising it. It felt like an eternity had passed whilst the gladiator held the delicate bard in his powerful embrace. Finally opening his eyes, he searched every detail of her face and truly looked at her. He could see every freckle that was scattered across her nose, and a curious scar on her lower lip, all the time her heartbeat thundering against his chest, it was at that moment that he felt something stir deep inside him.
She was trembling against his body. Rose bud lips were slightly parted and those deep blue eyes were wide open now, if she hadn't looked so shocked, he would have risked kissing her. The tension between them was unbearable so EvilClown thought to break it by letting out a hearty laugh.
“Didn’t I tell you that you were safe with me?” he asked her
Once she registered his words, her shocked expression wore off and was replaced by a scowl, “Evil! Why are you laughing at me? I could’ve died! Don’t ever do that to me again!”
Intently studying her face, his mouth widened in amusement, “I can’t promise that.”
Gently
lowering her to the ground, his hand lingered a moment on
the small of her back before stooping to retrieve his fallen
Eclipse, he then moved to approach an oncoming losgann.
Turning away from her gaze to greet the beast, a small smile
played on his lips, he wordlessly carried on stepping over
the scattered bones. Her heart was aflame, Claudine trailed
after him remembering the feel of his body against hers and
their hunt continued.
It was late in eve of the next day when the bard and the gladiator met again, at Pravat Cave, next to the fountain. The evening sky was clear, the stars twinkled, and the moon shone bright so that the sword EvilClown was sharpening, it’s edges shined as if made of crystal. Claudine was sat on the dewy grass next to the gladiator, his back was leaning against the fountain wall apreciating the cold of the stone through the fabric of his armour. Absentmindedly pulling the taut strings of her well worn Rosewood harp, she forgot she wasn’t alone, and let a few notes of song escape her lips. She was engrossed in her own thoughts whilst she practised her melodies. 'This is the happiest I've ever been she thought to herself. I'm completely infatuated by this gladiator, every touch is like being hit by beag athar!' Claudine closed her eyes slowly and thought about the day before.
EvilClown was also thinking about the day before, she had consumed his thoughts as he slept later that evening after their hunt. Moving his sword back and forth across a whetstone in front of him, he turned to the sword and stared intently at the metal. Upon hearing the quiet songs coming from Claudine, he paused his arm that was sharpening his trusted blade. Turning to face the girl, he looked down as her face was concentrating on her instrument and listened to the sound of her voice. Peering down at her pink full lips, the dark curled lashes of her steely blue eyes, her pale skin with freckles across her nose, how he longed to lean down to kiss her on the mouth. Suddenly he joined his voice with hers, matching the notes of the song the bard was practising. The goofiest expression he had seen yet took over the bards face. She paused her singing to let out a laugh that could be described similarly to bells tinkling. Putting his sharpening tools in his bag he reached over and took the harp from Claudine. She continued to laugh as he strung some terrible notes on her Rosewood harp, gave up and placed it on the ground with a gentle thud.
Making up his mind, he edged his hand through the soft grass towards hers and gently touched her delicate fingers, she didn't move away though he heard her breath catch in her throat, so after a while he simply left his hand touching hers. Their fingers slowly entwined, but neither party made any comment on this. Drawing attention to this fact may have broken the magic of the moment.
After what seemed like an eternity, she moved her arms and suddenly yawned, shattering the atmosphere.
“I must travel to my room for the night, I’m exhausted after today. My legs ache, I feel I’ve walked throughout all of Temuair. I received a letter from my druid companion, we are gathering components to summon the fearsome Lady Phoenix tomorrow to sell to younger aislings.”
“What friend is this, the druid Lyle?” he gritted his teeth as he said so.
Getting to her feet and beginning to head for the road towards Rucesion, she looked over her shoulder and replied, feigning ignorance at EvilClown’s sudden tone of voice “Yes, now good night. I’ll see you in a sun or so. Would you like to meet here at the same time on the next day, when we are done with the days business?”
Shielding his eyes from the sun, he turned to face her and gave a slight nod. Of course he wanted to meet her, it had become a regular occurence nowadays.
His eyes followed her as she stood up, as she turned to leave he was transfixed by the curves of her body moving under her favourite blue dress. He waved at her thinking in his mind he should make his feelings known, otherwise that druid is going to profess his love for her, and he would hate to see her so much as hold hands with someone that wasn’t himself. EvilClown longed to pick the girl up and never let her go, his feelings having grown every moment since their meeting. In fact, he would have if he had known she felt the same for him. She was so shy he wasn’t quite sure of himself, he was waiting for something to happen or for her to let him know.
The bard and the gladiator didn't spend every waking moment together. Her time was divided between helping guild members, tending to her political duties in her hometown and questing with the druid Lyle. EvilClown wasn’t particularly fond of him, he was far too familiar with Claudine for his taste.
Her friendship with the druid however was platonic in her eyes, as their origins were far too different to consider him in a romantic light. EvilClown originated from somewhere a bit closer to home for her, and she did think of him in that way. Quite often actually. Though she tried not to let this be known. EvilClown was originally a Rucesion citizen, same as Claudine had been now for well over 80 deoches. He had since moved to Medenia seeking a different lifestyle.
She was thinking about this as she peacefully slept that evening and how she was happier in recent moons than she had been for a long time, wondering what the next day would bring. Nothing eventful, roaming through Shinewood forest as they’d done many a time before laughing as they went.
The matter of her platonic friendship and feelings came to a head the next day. It was a cold, windy afternoon when she was with Lyle gathering items to summon the Lady Phoenix in Shinewood forest. She was bundled up in her crimson hued scarf, this brought fond memories of the gladiator to the fore of her mind, and a thick woolen dolman which was of a rich blue material, waiting for her companion to summon a giant ant. The tall muscled druid with his mess of blonde hair seemed out of sorts today. She’d noticed there was something on his mind but had decided not to press the man further, she reasoned he would let her know what it was in due course.
Lyle stopped Claudine for a moment, grabbed her staff and motioned for her to come closer. His green eyes looking deeply into her steely blue eyes. He tried to pull her into his arms, hoping for her to return the gesture. Instead she stood limply with a strange look on her face. Despite this he pressed on.
“I have been yearning to tell you something for many moons now.”
With the bard pulled close to him, he wasn't looking at her but over head into the distance, he finally spit out what he’d been turning over in his mind these past moons.
“Claud, I can’t live my life in denial anymore. I love you. I can tell you feel the same way.. we could go to the glade and visit the fae!”
Summoning her strength she pushed herself out of his grasp, cast mor dion and then mor dion comhla. With her magic weaving itself through the Aislings, the magical air around them both began to howl. Casting her spells was rather noisy, and the power she wielded could be frightening if he hadn’t become so accustomed to this due to the time they had known each other. Gathering herself took a few moments. Darting her eyes around the scene in the forest for a glimpse of any oncoming beasts, she let out a great sigh.
The look on her face at this revelation was not all smiles as he'd been hoping for. Neither did she run into his arms as he'd envisioned. There was no declaration of love and it was not looking promising he'd finally have her body to lay claim to. He'd been longing to have her mouth on his, and put his arms around her narrow waist to draw her ever closer to himself. Instead he got a different reaction. She looked at him in confusion.
“Lyle?” she asked furrowing her brow “Where has this come from? I apologise if I have given you the impression that I feel this way about you, but I certainly can’t tell you I do.”
“We spend a lot of time in each others company..” he looked down at the ground with a sorrowful expression playing across his face. “I never intended to seek you out as a friend, I sought you out as I wanted a lover.”
He pressed on with his suit, “Surely you don’t believe I spend time with you to enjoy your company? I have wanted you for quite some time. I feel I must make my feelings known now due to the appearance of that gladiator. I am a much better fit for you than he is.”
Her chest heaving and her body shaking in anger, she turned her back to the druid.
“Friend of mine, that is all you are and will ever be, I cannot change my feelings for you. There is no need to bring someone else into this, that is none of your business..”
“You’re wrong Claud, you should be mine!” this was the last thing he managed to say to her. With a roar she felt a small explosion behind her, at her response she felt him turn into a wolf behind her.
The feeling of soft grass tickling her feet inside her blue sandals was distracting her from being able to cast a spell. Lyle was near enough to grab her, she finally managed to shakily chant the words to create a portal, stepping through she arrived in the Rucesion Inn looking pale and feeling frightened by his anger. Reaching out to grab her he howled in frustration as she was gone leaving the druid alone with his thoughts in Shinewood.
After he had finished his activities for the the day, EvilClown had faithfully travelled from his home to what he now considered their spot under the tree near the cave, just close enough to the fountain to hear the soft splashes of the water as it cascaded downwards. He'd waited all day to hear of Claudine’s adventures in Shinewood with Lyle, but found himself mystified and disappointed by her absence. He'd travelled from the other continent across a great ocean from Medenia which is where he called home in order to see her that day.
Hunting through his bag for some parchment, he scrawled a quick and untidy letter asking what had happened to make her miss seeing him, but he knew he wouldn’t receive a reply until morning, so decided to rent a room in the Mileth inn for the evening. 'Maybe she will be at their usual spot tomorrow afternoon.' His slumber was a peaceful one in comparison to the troubled dreams that haunted the bard that night.
The sun shining through the open window, a cold breeze tickling his face, and the song of birds woke the gladiator who felt rather refreshed. Sitting himself upright on the messy unmade bed, whilst he was pulling his blue sandals onto his feet, he heard a tap at his window. Pulling the catch open wider he was greeted by a large pigeon with something tied to its’ leg. This letter looked lighter than the notes he usually received. Untying the crimson coloured ribbon holding the small scrap of parchment together he exhaled loudly as he recognised whose handwriting it was. Well then, this letter explained somewhat where she had been. ‘Well at least I’ve heard from her, this is worrisome though. Something upset her so much she went straight to her bed last night.. I wonder what Lyle managed to do'. His growing frown turned into a wan smile. Her letter simply said,
Something happened in Shinewood yesterday, I was so upset I went straight to my room.
I didn’t get a wink of sleep, I’m sorry I left you though.
I’ll explain later today, I will be by the temple in the evening.
The pigeon had been waiting patiently with its slim leg held out for a letter to be tied to it, as recipients of letters usually wrote a reply. EvilClown pulled a small scrap of parchment from the drawer of the chest next to the wooden bed. Grabbing a quill, hastily dipping it into some ink, he simply wrote,
Claudine, I’ve just woken. I’ll meet you there this evening
He
rolled it up, retying her ribbon around the his scrap
of a letter, and sent the bird off with its’ prize to
find its way to the bard who would be busy studying
Rucesion law documents as she did every moon.
After eating a small and hasty breakfast made by the innkeeper, he had a small loaf of bread with some butter and ale. The gladiator left the warmth of the inn having lingered there for some time. Tugging his scarf closer to his skin, he left Mileth following the light of the lanterns which were lit and made his way to the blossom tree planted directly outside Gramail’s temple. Claudine had mentioned many moons ago that the Gramail temple was where her long lost brother Tormod had served and was therefore her favourite. The temple reminded her of family.
There was no noise save for the crackle and pop of the roaring fire she was sat in front of, her face which was illuminated by the warm sparks from the flames, did not appear to be a happy face as the smile that was normally there was replaced with a tired expression. The temperature was slowly lowering which explained the fur blankets she had wrapped herself in. Her head was bent down, concentrating on stoking the fire with an old gnarly stick. Walking over to her, he threw his shield and sword on the ground and lowered himself to a seated position next to her. He looked at her exhausted eyes and wondered what she was thinking about. She prodded the fire a little more as she pondered how to tell him what had happened in shinewood, figuring he’d ask as her letter was so brief. Her heart quickened as she felt his body thump next to hers on the ground.
“Hey Claud, let me in that blanket. My feet are frozen through from trudging through the cold today. You can explain what made you angry first. Then you can tell me why you appear so glum.” EvilClown said as he sat down next to her and pulled some blanket off her and got in the bundle as well. Admiring her eyes, the firelight reflected in them, he slowly placed his arm around the girls shoulders and pulled her towards him. Slowly inhaling he caught a hint of something sweet smelling, something she washed her hair in no doubt.
He faced her, paying attention to the expressions crossing her face during her tale. As she was retelling the whole Shinewood incident a faint blush bloomed across her cheeks. Much to EvilClown’s amusement, he thought 'For Fiosachd’s sake she’s so shy!'. EvilClown began to grin, 'I’m just going to tell her how I feel since she wasn’t receptive to him', and ever to the point, he told her how he felt and what he thought.
“So you are surprised that he had feelings for you? He has been staring daggers at me ever since I helped you with those earrings. It’s no wonder he did, you are extremely beautiful. I have had feelings for you from the moment we met.”
Claudine didn’t reply. Turning to face him, she titled her chin upwards to meet his gaze, pushing herself up using her forearms and lifted her lips to his and kept him captive. The gladiator was shocked for a moment until he cupped her tiny face with his large hands and deepened the kiss.
After a time they both broke apart, she sighed and he just said “Ever so shy, and now you’re kissing me? I am enjoying this.”
“I think I’ll take a leaf out of your book and start saying what I actually think.” she stated nervously
“About time. If you want to tell me something, just tell me. Don’t pretend you don’t have feelings for me. I could tell from how you’ve reacted to me ever since we met, but I was afraid to say something in case I was wrong. I’m please I was right though.”
She carried on telling him, “I love you Evil, and I am going to keep you, for many deochs to come.”
“I love you too Claud” he told her, gently kissed the top of her head and began to pull the blankets tighter around them both. After this, she nestled into his arms and they sat for a time as the sun was beginning to set, it was growing colder so EvilClown picked up the stick and added more kindling to the fire. Claudine had begun to fall asleep which left him very much to this thoughts for the night. The moon shone through the few clouds that were floating by aimlessly. The light shone on the tangled pair seated next to the fire, fur of the blankets glinting under the lunar scene, the gladiator would take her to the glade on the morrow, eager to mark their beginnings in their legends written about each of them.
After a while he began to feel the cold creeping
into the fur coverings, he gently shook the dozing
bard awake. He pulled her to her feet which she was
unsteady on.
“It’s too cold to camp here tonight, your inn is nearby right? Let’s head there. I can easily take a room there for the few hours sleep I shall have.”
Mumbling some sort of reply, the gladiator gathered their things, she called forth the elements to douse the fire, and they made haste to the Rucesion inn.
When the pair had wandered into the inn the previous evening, Claudine had been too exhausted by that day to pay much mind to the shocked look her innkeeper had given her when she’d returned with the gladiator in tow. Maria, who was a plain looking middle aged woman with a severe bun in her hair, frumpy dark blue cotton dress which an worn apron tied around her waist completed her look, had settled down when he’d asked for a spare key to the room next to hers though. It did give him a good chuckle however.
Squinting against the brightness, the warrior was wide awake as soon as the sun burst through the clouds and blazed through his small window. He was eager to leave the warmth of the bed in which he'd snoozed with a thin blanket covering half of his legs, his feet hung slightly over the carven, ornate wooden bed frame. Low rumbling noises filled the room, his belly was making itself known, which clearly needed filling.
In the next room, having had a deep sleep, the priestess awoke long after her gladiator did. Sunlight streamed through her half drawn curtains to rouse her from the dreams that were slowly fading. Prone to the cold, the little bard would always linger in bed, wrapped up in her thick woolen duvet, and this morning was no exception. Once she'd motivated herself to leave her cosy den, and dressed for the day, leaving her nightclothes strewn across a chair, Claudine left her room and tread lightly down the wooden stairs to the main room of the inn. Wafting through the door as soon as she opened it was the enticing scent of warm bread. Breakfast was on her mind, and she was wondering would EvilClown still be there. The first thing she saw was the back of a giant crimson haired man sat eating bread and ale.
With his long leg, he pushed the wooden chair in front of him out for the girl to sit on.
“Come and eat with me, I think we need to discuss something today don’t we?”
Still groggy from sleep Claudine replied “Do you mean..? What? Give me a moment, I’m still half asleep.”
He pressed on “We should go to the lovers glade. I, erm, also have been carrying something around recently as I had a feeling something like this would happen. Well hoped for, not a feeling. I’ll give it to you then.”
The two continued to break bread together until both were quite done. At that point, they looked at each other, and looked towards the door.
“Shall we travel to the woods now then, Evil?” he simply nodded in response.
Around midday when the sun was highest in the sky, and the air had lost some of its’ chill, they left the inn and travelled to the lovers glade together. Stepping into the glade, they heard some excited unintelligible chatter in high pitched voices. With her one free hand, reaching into her hip bag, Claudine set down the beothaic deums she had brewed as an offering for the fae who presided here. It was much warmer in the glade, as if by the magic that was in abundance in the air surrounding the couple. Or perhaps it’s just because fae lived here? Who knows.
After they stepped back from their offering, two small fae fluttered around the glade waving at the couple. EvilClown stepped forwards towards the fae.
Looking first at the fae that had appeared before them, then down at Claudine, he declared “We want to be joined together, to declare our love for each other, will you glade us?”
The fae nodded enthusiastically. Claudine then stepped forward, and a voice filled the glade
“Do you promise to love each other? To never sully our blessing and do no wrong to each other?”
More nods ensued, this time from EvilClown and Claudine. Lots of giggling noises from the bushes appeared, as well as magical love hearts filling the air around them.
“You are now sword to each in an oath of love. We wish you a lifetime of happiness!” the fae announced, then suddenly it was quite in the glade, all that was left was magical hearts, and the two lovers hand in hand.
They quietly declared their love for each other in Deoch 134, during Winter and their love was etched into their legends forever more.
“I’ve had this ring burning a hole in my satchel ever since I set eyes on you, will you accept this engagement ring? We don’t need to get married any time soon, but I’d like something to show you are mine.” he asked her taking her hand in his, his rough skin touching hers as he slid the ring onto her finger.
She nodded as she slipped a hand down the neck of her dress, undid a necklace and pulled a ring off of the chain.
“Only if you will accept this eternal love ring. I was given it when I was very young, something about delivering letters for someone.. I saved it all this time for someone special. I think that might be you. Make sure you actually wear it though!” Claudine replied.
As he took the ring, his fingertip brushed the engraving which simply said ‘Claudine’s only love.’
She quietly studied her hand with the ring on her left hand.
Slowly pulling his hands from hers, he slipped them around her waist, he then leaned down to kiss her. They were going to continue their tale by heading to their usual spot to sit together under their tree, in Pravat Cave.
And this is how the bard and her gladiator came to be together.
Written by Claudine MacAmhlaigh
Deoch 163, 9th Moon, 16th Sun