#marlunden

Sir Ibirejan remains within the manor, I believe he takes quite seriously the vow of seeing me kept safe from harm.

I find myself surprised in the comfort I have in knowing that he has not simply departed the moment the option offered itself.

While I do not know him overly well, he is at least a familiar face in this new 'world' of strangers. I desire to know them, to walk amongst them unguarded in manner but that pleasure is not yet mine.

The lord of the estate seems to enjoy his privacy, often shut away within his rooms or within his private study. I cannot understand what past wounds would make any seek solitude over companionship...but...I suppose such is but another curiosity of this place.

She glanced towards her saddlebag, her gaze lingering upon the parchment safely tucked within. "Do you believe we shall reach its borders by nightfall?"

'Likely earlier, methinks,' commented Marlunden, shading his eyes with his hand as he looked to the sky. 'At this pace, we should reach the land's border before sunset.' Flicking his hair from his gaze, he turned to look at Victoria. 'Have you as little knowledge of this Sir Ladimore as I myself have?'

"I do not. Sister Leiyt felt that I should be amongst my own, now that I am otherwise alone within this world. It was by her recommendation that I find myself returning to the north."

As though summoned forth by an unseen force, the sound of horsemen reached their ears - shortly coming into view. Each rider was noticably marked with a crest - a sword embroidered in gold thread which pierced through a ring stitched in silver thread.

Victoria's mare spooked, whinnying in fright and tossing its head in agitation. "Sir Ibirejan…" she began. "Are they friend or foe?" she inquired as her mare drew up alongside his stallion.

His hand settled upon the pommel of his sword as he replied, 'I nay know who these riders are." As the horsemen drew within earshot Marlunden shouted a warning, "Who goes there? Speak your business!'

A figure emerged from within the heart of the mounted patrol, his ivory steed trotting forward to linger a span ahead of the others. The stallion tossed its head, its silken mane falling haphazardly to either side of its neck as it stepped in place. Deep blue and gold robed the steed, its own fitted colors vibrant against the snowy hue of its fur.

As night wore on, the fire grew dim - its flames lessening until only mere embers remained. A calm had settled over the forest as its inhabitants slowly found their rest, nestled within the foliage and canopy overhead. Victoria lay resting within her fur coverlets as Marlunden remained alert, his gaze studying the forest surrounding them. The quiet was peaceful yet it ignited a concern within his breast. It was...too quiet.

"The moon is full," came Victoria's soft voice.

It was only as she replied that he realized he'd spoken his thoughts aloud. 'Aye, milady. It is at that. Seek your rest, I will keep watch.'

"Throughout the night?"

"It is strange, isn't it? How things change with the passing of time," she spoke quietly, sadness marring her tone as she climbed to the top of the rocky hillside, her gaze moving to the stretch of forest below.

Marlunden moved to follow her, his steps mirroring her own until he stood beside her, canting his head towards her. 'All things change. That is a basic truth, madam.'

"You are right but that does not mean I must enjoy it," she countered.

'Are you well? You've been rather quiet for nearly two days time now.' Though he sought to offer a comforting smile, to lighten her own mood, his own could not be so easily masked as worry lines creased his brow.

"There was once a small outcropping of cottages here. They kept to themselves but offered shelter for travelers passing through. Kind, hard-working people of the land." She smiled to herself, "The stories they would weave under the night sky, they would enchant any who listened."

His gaze narrowed as he searched over the forest below, seeing nothing but felled trees and overgrown heaps of mossy foliage. 'Are you certain that was here, madam Cromwell? There is only the forest.'

Her step was light upon the stone as she walked the gardens. Roses lay in full bloom, their appealing fragrance filling the air. 

'Sister!' Marlunden called out, moving towards her with a touch of urgency. As he neared he appeared relieved for the sight of me, his smile gracing his features once more.

"I am here, is all well? You look as though a wraith follows at your very heels, Brother." Realization dawned upon her, he was not at his post... "Has something happened, is Sister Olivae safe?"

'I- ...oh, oh yes. Yes, she is well. Two guard her door in my absence.'

Relief coursed through her, "Light be praised. I confess the state of your appearance and unexpected arrival...I allowed myself to fear the worst." Strify confessed as spots of color touching upon either cheek.

'May we speak, Sister? It...it IS concerning Olivae.'

Nodding, they moved to sit along the benches within the heart of the gardens, the lake set out before them. "You've my ear, as always Brother."

His nervousness was apparent in the way his gaze flickered every which way, his hands clasping together only to suddenly smooth out his tabard. They seemed to desire something to do as though the thought of idleness terrified them. 'I am...I am drawn to her plight. I can think of nothing but assisting her however I might," he began.

"Your consideration holds no limit, Brother."

'She is very soft-spoken but...there is something of her. Sister, I enjoy her company. I grow decidedly fond of her. I would like your opinion, please?'

Strify hesitated, lifting her gaze to the heavens as she smiled to herself. "I find her a young woman of virtue. She has always impressed upon me an empathetic soul. I confess I scarce know any details of her past but I believe tragedy lies buried within its depths. Despite such, it seems not to have affected her gentile nature. You've my blessing, Brother."

His smile seemed to ignite the whole of his features as he nodded, tension easing from his shoulders. 'You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say so, Sister.'

"I would ask one thing, should you permit me. This, ...this budding affection shall not hamper your ability to serve both the Order nor Sister Olivae while she is under our care. Yes?"

'Oh, course not. I will remain vigilant as ever.'

"I see you have maintained your energy towards the continued watch over Sister Olivae. I've not witnessed such fervent devotion to a cause from you in some time, Brother. It lightens my heart to see you so revitalized with purpose, conviction." she mused aloud, a smile gracing her features.

Marlunden smiled in return, his holding a warmth as he averted his gaze quickly. His hand clasped along his sword hilt, his gaze falling to his greaves as they walked. 'Aye. I reckon I've enjoyed feeling myself useful to a maiden once more. I- ...' His voice trailed off as he exhaled slowly. With some effort his smile remained, though his posture grew a touch more rigid.

"You think of her, do you not? Your betrothed. I...I would ask one thing of you, should you allow me such, Brother."

'But Sister, you- ...you never ask for anything. What troubles you?'

"Your well-being. Such is my current ailment. I would ask that you seek to let go the past. What is done is done and cannot be changed. I would wish you to know happiness once more yet you prefer to dwell amidst your daemons, torturing yourself over what was -not- your fault."

'I loved her, ...with everything. All that I was...I did, I loved her. My Marie.'

"Cherish the bond you both shared, Brother. But do not let your love turn to poison and inflict yourself with such scorn."

He sighed, pausing to lean against the stone column, "I try to let go my guilt but it wounds me...I - I miss her, Sister.'