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Love and Betrayal (Unlucky & Candria)

U

UnluckyGambit

Super-Earth
Joined
Feb 25, 2014
Location
Not in Vegas
Harold Artorias, once known as the Vigilant Wolf, used to be a loyal servant of King Raphael, until of course his family was framed for planning a coup on the king, while his Majesty was distracted with the rebellion. His father was assassinated, and Lord Heldrick, who is now the step-father of one of his best friends, came forward with evidence that showed his father's traitorous action. Said actions included Harold's hand in some of the matters, like bribing guards and the like, so he had to flee from his home in shame because of those false facts! The rebel forces would gladly take such a capable and bias fighter to their forces. Though they were hesitant to trust someone born of noble-blood. After all the king's vassals were some of his most loyal servants. All Harold had was enough food, his armor, and his family's bastard sword. He was well known for his skill and strength with that greatsword, he was capable of cleaving a knight's arm off with that blade. Though he had to be precise in his aim with it, and he had to strike them in a lightly armored place too.

However, within a few weeks of joining the rebel army he was a part of a very important mission. They were to kidnap Lord Heldrick's step-daughter, this made Harold excited that he would be able to exact the revenge he so desired on the man who had wronged him. However, at the same time he was concerned about his best friend's health, she was such a kind-hearted individual. She might have been wed into nobility, but his comrades didn't particularly care about such things. To them she was a noble, and that made her an enemy. Rebels weren't known for their kindness to such enemies. Not to mention he wouldn't find Heldrick since the scouts reported he was not there, and there were minimal guards there as well. This raid would go well, granted he was going to be the first one to find his friend, he was not going to let these barbarians lay a finger on his friends if he could help it.

When the order to begin the raid was unleashed the rebel's approach would be silent at first. However, when they were almost upon the noble's home there would be soon be a battle cry, and the larger rebel forces would descend upon the mansion. One of the guards, who didn't panic stood in front of Harold, that was a mistake. When the guard lunged forward with his spear, the more experienced knight would side step. Even in his chain-mail supplemented by a plated chest-piece. The blue scarf made by his friend was strapped across his chest. He brought the hilt of his blade around, and struck the guard on the side of the head. The guard would fall to the floor unconscious, better that he remain that way. Harold charged into the mansion desperately trying to find his friend. To protect her from danger.
 
Sophia was a beautiful noble woman, but her legacy was tainted with illegitimacy. She had been born out of an affair between a scullery maid and the lord Heldrick himself. A ruthless politician, Heldrick had denied her existence for the first half of her life as she was forced to scavenge, steal, and hunt to live, her mother having sent her to live with a sickly uncle. He was a talented thief who had taught Sophia well, but he hadn't been able to do much more before his demise.

Years on the streets had taught her to be strong and smart, but her mother's genes had given her a natural beauty and a deep sense of empathy for others. Her mother had sent them what she could in the way of money and had tried to visit, but it was too risky to be seen with Sophia. People would know. It wasn't until the untimely death of Lady Heldrick that Sophia's mother was taken as a bride and Sophia was brought to live with them.

She was cleaned up, taught the etiquette of proper ladies, and given elegant dresses that hugged her feminine figure and showed ample amounts of cleavage. Her fiery locks were elaborately styled to perfection, and she was taught arts and how to read. Sophie had been happy at first, if not a little uncomfortable. And she'd even made friends in the court. Especially with the young knight Artorias. He had been kind and helpful to her since the day they'd met. They'd shared common interests as well. That was when her step-father realized she was ready to take part in his plans.

Of course, once she realized that she was to be Heldrick's puppet and political pawn, Sophia tried to leave. Since then, she'd been kept under lock and key, only allowed to go anywhere with supervision, only allowed to see certain guests who would bring her family favor. She was told very little of the outside world, and kept away from those her step-father deemed unworthy. Luckily, that did not include young Harold.

But that was before all of this mess had happened. There had been a rebellion, she knew, as she'd eavesdropped on conversations between servants and interrogated her guests. Several times, she'd snuck out of her room to gather more information, taking what she could with her. Not a month before the death of Harold's father, strangers had been visiting the household, and she was confined to her room more than not. So, Sophia snuck out at night, searching for information, wondering what these men were doing here. She found very little, but she was certain they were not nobility. Odd for Heldrick to see them. So what business did they have with him?

And then, it was brought to light that Artorias had been involved in treachery against the king. As the attack on the household began, she was pondering how such a noble and loyal servant of the King could ever have fooled her, let alone everyone else, about his character. Only when she heard the battle cry did she hurry to her window. Below, she could see an army charging against the manor, the guards being slain in their attempts to save the family.

Rather than wait for her fate to arrive or her step-father to come and get her, she picked the lock to her door with her hair clips, grabbed a small bag and filled it with what useful things she could carry, and hurried off. She didn't make it far before the imposing figure of a powerful warrior stood before her, filling the space between her and the exit she sought. The armor he wore hid his face from her, but she knew she was caught. She couldn't over power a knight in armor without some kind of weapon.

What should she do? The only option was to run, but she wouldn't be able to escape from the roof or battlements. "I surrender, knight. Please spare me."
 
Harold was somewhat familiar with Sophia's estate as he had been there a few times as a guest, so he had a general idea as to where Sophia would be. Granted, if she wasn't then his chances of him finding her and protecting decreased dramatically. He knew her room was around here somewhere! He heard the sound of a door open, and he whirled around with his blade drawn. His chain mail shifted a bit as well generating a little bit more noise. Was he about to be attacked? By who or what? The knight's mind raced till he saw the person who had started approaching this way. He could never forget that beautiful face ,and the fiery locks that she had. He was that she would run off, and get herself in an even worse situation than before.

To his surprise, she surrendered to him. This was working out far better than what he originally thought, he figured she would have at least tried to run off before surrendering. The knight grabbed Sophia by the hand firmly, it wasn't a sign of hostility, but it was evident she wasn't going anywhere any time soon. He kept his blade unsheathed, not because he was afraid of what she might do, but of what others might try to do in order to have their way with her. He didn't want to reveal his face to her right now, though he was surprised she didn't recognize the dark blue scarf she made to match his deep blue eyes, which were hidden by his helmet. Granted, what he wanted to do was lead her to the exit and tell her to flee, but she was his one shot at getting his revenge against Lord Heldrick for framing him. That scum would have to come for his only daughter, and that was when he would strike down that traitorous bastard for his crimes. Even if he would live infamy he would have his vengeance.

Sadly taking her into the lion's den, otherwise known as the rebel camp, was something he had to do in order to ensure that he got his chance. As they walked back out of the mansion, Sophia would get to see some of her handmaidens struggling to get away from the rebels. What the rebels were going to do to them was fairly obvious with the lust in their eyes, granted those who were not lucky enough set their sights on Sophia. Their intentions were less than pure, as if some of their bloodied weapons didn't already indicate that. If she wasn't intimidated by their leers, then she may notice the corpse of a few of her servants and guards. Males were rarely spared in these types of raids, especially if they put up resistance. The knight paused and held his sword at the rebels, "Let the women go." He said anger was evident in his voice.

One of the rebels spit at his feet, "N' why should we listen you? We don't have to follow your code of chivalry." There was a murmur of agreement behind the rebel, the knight's posture indicated he was less than pleased to hear that answer.

"Simple, because though we are rebels, we are not savages. They're commoners just like you lot, they're not nobles or the crown that you seek to tear down. Unless of course, you intend to take their place and become the enemy you so despise. Or if you aren't willing to listen to me, then I'll run you through with my blade and let God judge you here and now." There was utter confidence as the knight spoke, he wasn't informing the rebels what might happen, but what will happen. The group got a bit silent, and they would release the handmaidens, who would give an apologetic look toward Sophia before they were escorted out by a few of the rebels.

"Well what about her? She's a fine prize and she isn't a commoner either." There was another murmur of agreement as the rebels seemed to step closer to Sophia, but the knight kept his blade raised.

"If you so much as touch her then I'll be sure to cut off your manhood before killing you." The knight threatened before pulling Sophia away with the group. He would lead her into the garden were there were less rebels around them, but no obvious route of escape. Harold would finally sheath his blade, and released Sophia. He then turned to face her, and would remove his great helmet from his head. Revealing his identity to her, if she hadn't already figured out who he was before then, his short blonde hair was free of its encasement, and his deep blue eyes peered down at her observing her beauty. It wasn't a lustful stare, but one that was happy to see a trusted friend. "It's alright Sophia, no harm shall befall you as long as I still walk this earth." He said, hoping that she at least still trusted her friend. Granted, this friend was about to take her into the lion's den, but he would explain that in due time.
 
In her panic, Sophia had overlooked the scarf, which merely peeked out at her. She probably would have recognized it if she weren't trying to devise a way to escape him once they were outside the castle. She hadn't counted on the guards being so easily overtaken, however, and was taken by surprise as she saw the corpses of servants and soldiers she'd come to know over the years--people who'd just been trying to live their lives, do their jobs. People who had wanted to believe that they were doing good in the world. People who had shown her kindness. Their deaths sent a wave of horror through her as she realized they would never return, followed shortly by a horrible sadness, swiftly tailed by an anger so bright she could barely control it.

She struggled a bit as they passed her handmaidens who were being surrounded, eyed like prizes--things to slake lust, instead of the wonderful women they were. Their frightened eyes found Sophia and she worked against the powerful knight who'd been pulling her along without much in the way of resistance thus far. "Please, stop. Stop them," she said, her voice drowned out by the sounds of battle. But before she could say it louder and fight to be heard, the knight stopped and did it. Surprised, she watched him and then her ladies in waiting.

She didn't blame them for leaving her there after being released. It was unlikely they'd get another chance to escape if they lingered. In fact, if she'd been in their places, she probably wouldn't have felt guilt. Something about the knight's voice and posture seemed familiar, now that he challenged the others and spoke. That he defended her people had been admirable enough, but he was choosing to defend her as well, and that seemed miraculous. What did they want with her if not to humiliate and murder her as an example to all the others?

Before she could try to make sense of it, Sophia was hurried along as the knight practically dragged her into the gardens and let her go. She stumbled a bit over her dress before yanking it away from her feet. She held her sore wrist and looked up at the knight in utter confusion. He was letting her go? That couldn't be right. Could it? She could run now, but she probably wouldn't make it far if he came after her...

And then his helmet was off and the most beautiful man she'd ever seen was looking at her again.

"Harold!" His name came out more like a startled whisper, but her wide eyes filled with relief and gladness as she realized who had just saved her. Instinct had her throwing her arms around his neck, hugging him, despite the barrier of metal between them. "I thought you were dead...they said you'd been killed..." Tears filled her eyes but she blinked them away as she let him go. "But...what is this? What are you doing here?" So much was happening so fast. What was she supposed to focus on first?
 
Harold smiled when he felt her wrap her arms around his neck, and would wrap his arms around her. He could feel his heart flutter, he always wondered what it would be like to be hugged by this beautiful woman. His touch would be a bit cold as the metal gauntlets he was wearing weren't known for their warmth. When she said that he thought he was dead, he would shake his head, "Ha, you know me much better than that, I'm well and alive." He said, though he wasn't surprised that there would be grisly rumors of how the last traitor met his grisly end, better to spread that lie around to go along with the other lies about his family's plot to kill his Majesty while he was distracted with the rebellion. When she let go, he would reluctantly do the same. His mind silently was pleading for her to hold on just a bit longer, he hadn't had a chance to be with a friend in a long time, and he could really use one right now. That hug helped a lot though with some of his...suppressed emotions.

When she asked what was going on, the knight sighed and his dark blue eyes looked down toward the ground. "I've been branded a traitor by a false accusation Sophia, and thus we are to be killed or captured then executed whenever possible. My father is already dead, he sacrificed himself so I could get away. As for what I'm doing here, I joined the rebels so I could exact my revenge on King Raphael and..." He would trail off, not sure how to put it exactly since it wasn't something he wanted to share with her. Eventually he looked her in the eyes with his deep blue eyes, "Lord Heldrick, your father." He would say, when he mentioned her father's name there was a fiery look in his eyes, but he couldn't maintain it as he told his dearest friend. It wasn't something he wanted to admit to her, but it was truth. Now he wasn't sure what to say next to make it any better.....he supposed he would have to justify his actions to her.

"I'm sorry, I cannot let my father's death, and my family's honor slandered in history go unanswered. If I knew of another way, I would take it, but I don't." He didn't want to hurt her if he could help it, but to him there was no other way to go about at least correcting the damage done to his family's name and his father's death other than shedding the blood of the wrong-doers. He would let a moment of silence pass, before explaining why the rebels were here. This would frighten her, but he was not about to let them do her any harm. If there was one thing he would put before his revenge was her safety, and she had the Vigilant Wolf protecting her from harm. A name that many in this land knew to fear.

"As for why we're here, the rebels needed a bargaining chip to improve their status and their supplies, and they learned you were Heldrick's only daughter. Thus they plan on using you to extort from your father, and as you have seen these rebels care very little about what condition you go back to your father in. Their minimum requirement is that you are returned to your father alive." As in other words they were free to do whatever they pleased with her as long as she remained alive for the ransom. That is why those men were so eager to get a hold of her as they could do whatever they pleased with her. However, Harold had a bit of good new for her, and he placed a hand on hers, "But I swear to you on our friendship, and whatever honor I have left that I will let no harm befall you even if it costs me my life. I will keep you safe even if it kills me."
 
RE: Love and Betrayal (Unlucky & Candira)

Sophia listened to his story as though it were the very reason she'd come into this world. She had been told by trustworthy individuals that Harold had died, and that the Artorias family had been traitors. She frowned, wondering what motives the king would have for getting rid of two of his most loyal subjects. She knew them well--they never would have done a thing to harm the king. It didn't make sense for the king to want them gone, so why would he have allowed someone to frame them like this?

But then her step-father's name entered the conversation and her eyes went cold. The man who'd had her sent away after she was born and brought her back only to use as a pawn...yes, it would make sense that he was involved in this somehow. He had always been a cold and calculating man. Since he had taken care of her mother, however, Sophia tolerated her own treatment and showed the man a decent amount of respect and gratitude. She did what she was asked to keep her mother well.

But this....this treachery could not be forgiven. He had crossed the line when he'd become involved in the death of another. The death of her dear friend's father. She listened as he justified himself, as he told her why he needed her to come with him, why he had come for her in particular. It seemed as though she was the target...but the lack of Heldrick's presence meant that he had escaped--left her here--and probably taken her mother with him. He still had his hands on someone precious to her, so she had to tread carefully. Harold would understand that, but she wondered what he could do at this point.

"I thought something suspicious was happening, but they keep me locked away until they need me--like a damned bird. I'm so sorry I couldn't help him. I'm sorry about what happened to you and your father. He was the best person I've ever had the pleasure of meeting." She smiled softly and took his hand to reassure him, despite the fact that he probably couldn't feel it. It was the thought that counted. "If you need me to exact your revenge...I understand. My step-father is a much crueler man than even I realized. That he could be involved in such an act... It is unforgivable." She looked into his dark blue eyes, her own grey ones shining fiercely in the night.

"I will do whatever it takes to help you, Harold. But until we find out who exactly is responsible for all of this and why it happened, I hope you'll delay any action against the king. It just doesn't make sense for him to have framed you and your father. You were loyal to him. Someone must have tricked him...Please, wait a little longer. You need to twist my step-father's arm anyway. I can help you find out what you need to know. It hasn't been so long since I was a thief."

His vows to protect her rang through her head and she smiled. Of course he would. Harold would never stand for her being hurt or mistreated in any way. They were friends, but he held a respect for all women that seemed somehow unique in this world. It was one of the many qualities that made him admirable. "Thank you for watching over me, Harold. You are my hero." She smiled and hugged him again, lingering a bit more this time, needing his comfort--needing to give hers.

This sort of thing couldn't last long--certainly not in the eyes of the rebels. It would incite all sorts of resentment--moreso than what they already felt. The two of them would need to be careful in front of the others. After a long moment, she sighed and let him go. "Do what you must my friend. But, please, don't do it alone."
 
When Sophia began to blame her inability to do anything, Harold would shake his head, "It was not your fault, there was little you could do to stop such a thing from happening, but the fact that the King willingly went along with everything is the deepest betrayal I have ever felt. We were loyal, what I want to know is what documents your father had or what money your father gave that damn king to betray my father. No doubt it was the king's men who assassinated my father." There was scorn and hatred deep in Harold's mind, and it would take a lot to convenience him otherwise that the king was somehow not involved with Heldrick's betrayal! This would be an uphill battle, and it would require solid facts and evidence to show Harold the truth. That was one of his fatal flaws, he was stubborn, but it was his stubbornness that made him loyal above anything else. If asked to hold the line, he would hold it or die trying. It was the trait that his mother worried about since it meant he was likely to perform a heroic last stand, but he would not return from such a last stand.

Upon mentioning her own willingness to help him, the knight would shake his head, "You know I can't put you at risk like that Sophia. It is against the code of chivalry, and I don't want you to get caught up in this bloody business. It changes men more than you can think." While many could hide it, the mental scars were there. Hidden just beneath the surface, anyone man who want to war came back a changed man. They had seen the darkest of humanity, and watched men reverted to beasts who fought for just one instinct, self-preservation. When you were out on the battlefield at times you would not be fighting for the crown or God, but to make sure you would survive. "Don't get me wrong Sophia, I appreciate the gesture, but I have lost enough people close to me already. I don't intend on losing anymore if I can help it." What he said was not meant to criticize her, or hurt her. He was just trying to protect her and shelter her from the evil that he had seen. When she mentioned her skills as a thief, he knew them as she had told him about it, but even that would not persuade him. Though when asked to hold off taking any action against the king, the knight sighed a bit.

"The rebel commanders decide that, I do not, but I will do my best to avoid it. Though if I am offered the chance of doing great harm to him, then I will act to restore my family's honor." As in other words he would slay the king if given the chance. When she called him a hero after his oath to protect her, he would accept the hug before saying, "It inspires me to hear that Sophia, but I believe a man whose honor hasn't been shamed would make a better hero at the moment." He would say offering her a slight smile, as she let go, but before she was able to reply armored footsteps drew closer. Within a second Harold's great helm was back on his face, and his hand was on his blade turning toward the source of the noise.

An older man with a long scar across his cheek with a chainmail hood around his head stepped around the house, "Harold." the man said with a hint of anger in his voice, "What were you doing back here?" The man was clearly not happy about what he was seeing right now. Had he been watching the entire time?

"Informing our prisoner of her circumstances and the conditions she can be expected to live in. She's a noble, she will not be accustomed to such situations. It will keep the ransom as high as possible, and prevent me from having to discipline some of your men who do not know how much she would be worth, unharmed." Harold shot back, but this man was unlike the other rebels. He was not intimidated by such words and knowledge. The man took a few steps closer, and just glared at Harold.

"Very well then, but I'll have my men keeping an eye on you two. I won't hesitant to run you through because Alfred sees use in you. You may think yourself so clever, but if I see even one toe out of line then I will kill you myself." The scarred man said as he spat at Harold's feet before walking off.

The knight turned back to Sophia, "Come we must be ready for the journey back to the rebel camp, do you have your own steed or do you need to borrow my own?" He asked not too affected by the rude rebel commander who just attempted to scold the Vigilant Wolf.
 
Her friend hadn't changed in the time since they'd been apart. He was still stubborn as he could be. In this case, though, she wasn't sure she blamed him. He had absolutely no reason to believe anything but the worst. Still, she couldn't help but feel that something was off about this entire situation. She needed proof to sway Harold and get him back to the man he once was. This wasn't like him at all--taking orders like this, behaving in a way that broke the codes of chivalry. The rebels seemed to have no qualms, and it tended to put them at something of an advantage in battle, but it was no way for Harold to live. He would never really fit in with the men who followed this path. And it seemed everyone knew it.

He promised not to force a situation, but he wouldn't walk away from a chance to take revenge on the king. It was probably the best Sophia could get out of him at this point. Beggars couldn't be choosers after all. That he wouldn't put her in harms way was sweet, but also not his choice. She would have protested that she really didn't need his permission to do a little digging or to aid him in any way and that she was still skilled, but it would be like arguing with a brick wall: a waste of time. Instead, she'd just have to be careful and try not to let him know when she did it. Not the smartest of plans, but he wasn't exactly being rational.

When he put himself down, she frowned, about to answer him with a fiery outrage when he put his helm back on and his commander came out of the manor. It seemed as though he was a commander from the way he talked to Harold, anyway. Sophia tried to look frightened and worried, but she wasn't entirely sure she could keep it up if he kept on talking to her friend like he was worthless. He walked away just in time.

"Son of a bitch," she muttered, barely loud enough to register. She glared after the man and looked up at Harold as she asked about his horse. "I have a steed, assuming the stables are still in tact. But I don't think you should be showing me so much courtesy, Harold. You have to save face in front of these....men. Be careful my friend. I'm far more durable than I look, so try not to worry so much. If it's an issue of strain on the animal, we can use mine. If not, then just treat me like other prisoners in this situation."
 
"The stables should be fine, we should head over there and get your horse before another man eyes it for his own." Harold said as he began to head toward the stables, at least the way he thought would lead to the stables. Upon arriving she would find her horse not yet claimed by the men who have less than noble intentions. As she spoke about saving face the knight nodded his helmet not revealing his face to her, was he trying to hide something or did he just prefer this when he was in front of the rebels. "I know, I will ensure that the men fear me or at least respect me and my decisions. However, the man you saw back there has been a natural hothead, and is not to be trusted at all. He is the reason I sleep at night with one eye open at all times. It wouldn't surprise me if he tried to assassinate me while I slept." He would say with biterness in his voice as he spoke. He would take off his helmet and whistled and a white horse galloped over to the two, it was his own steed.

Once she was upon his steed, he would get on his and ride it beside hers, and then he would remove some rope from his horse's saddle and tie it around her, and binding her arms to her sides. It was to ensure that she would be unable to steer the horse in case she got the bright idea of trying to escape, and if she made the horse go to fast, then he would be able to pull her off the horse. This was the typical prisoner treatment, a technique used to ensure they didn't escape. They would then march outside of her estate, and as they marched out rebels would whistle and make lewd remarks about Sophia. It was obvious what some of them wanted to do to her, but at least Harold would be there to protect her, but for how long till they got her alone? Hector was only one man, and one can be overpowered by many. The rebel raiders would march south. It would take many hours, so they would have time to talk if Sophia so desired. Harold was unusually quite, occasionally his helmet would turn to look at a rebel who made a comment about Sophia. Even though they could not see his face, they were sure the helmet was the only thing protecting them from dropping dead on the spot from the glare.

A few men were discussing their next target as a town not far from Sophia's estate, it sounded as though they were going to raid the towns in Lord Heldrick's domain. That could be critical information for Sophia to know in case some of her father's acquaintances were located in positions of power in those cities. Furthermore, Harold was thinking about how he was going to keep watch over her through the night since he too needed sleep. Not to mention if he woke up and risked being unable to fight properly, and that would place Sophia in danger and that was not acceptable.
 
Sophia followed Harold, pretending to struggle against him a little bit, stumbling as the moved. It was for the best, really, for everyone to think that she was just as terrified by Harold as she would have been by a complete stranger. Then again, she wouldn't have been terrified, so much as pissed off. But that came from her days as a thief. The redhead stayed close, despite her little act and helped Harold as he got her onto his horse and tied her up. She arranged herself as best she could on the animal and nodded as he told her about the other man.

"Well, at least if I'm this close, I should be able to help warn you about things like that. It's not really putting me in any more danger than I would be in anyway," she said, pointing out this fact before he could argue. "Besides, if you're going to protect me, you're going to need my help with that sort of thing. A second set of eyes, even bound ones, can be incredibly useful, my friend. Try not to forget that when you think of me. I'm already in harm's way--no need to drag you down with me."

She smiled and took a deep breath before fixing a decidedly shamed, yet somehow defiant look on her face as he guided the horses with the men. She let them call out to her, let them debase her with their lewd comments and suggestive gestures. Not a single man got anywhere near her to act on their intentions, and that was thanks to Harold. If not for his presence she might actually have been a little afraid. It was a great comfort to have him near.

Even though they could not see his face, they hesitated to act because he was there. She closed her eyes and tried not to focus on it. After a few hours of riding it started to get to her a bit and it was easier to shut them out if she couldn't see them.

She listened carefully to talk of maneuvers and tactics the men had in mind, keeping track of what she would need to do next in order to be of use. She would need all of her skills as a rogue to get through this.
 
The knight would note that Sophia was trying to help the act by putting on a struggle, and it had some effect on the men as they seemed to nod their heads at her treatment. Though they might have been a bit too focused on looting the goods and luxuries from her house such as silk, spices, and jewelry. Of course, they would take some of the leftover food as well to help keep costs low when feeding the army. When she began to speak of how much danger she was already in, it would cause Harold to pause in his thoughts for a moment. She had a point, scouts were often deployed in pairs to help reduce mistakes, and get an accurate summary of the forces the enemy had at their disposal. He wouldn't nod, but the pause in his actions would at least indicate that he had reflected on what she had said.

Harold made no move to defend her throughout the hailstorm of suggestive gestures or comments, Sophia had a point, he had to let them think that he was just doing what he was ordered. These men held no love for him, but they did fear him quite a bit. That was something that he knew and would get them to do more of, if they laid a hand on her then they had better be prepared to learn how to use their other hand to fight. Though after many hours, the knight would reach over and nudge his friend, indicating that they had arrived. The sun was setting by now, and the men that walked looked quite tired from the raid and the walk. Many tents were set up in rows, these were places were the men would be sleeping. As they got closer, more rebels came out to greet their comrades, and harass Sophia. He would guide her to a spot beside his tent, and dismount and tie their horses to a nearby rack to ensure that they didn't wander off too far. He then would grab her and somewhat roughly pull her off the saddle of her own horse before leading her inside his tent.

"Here is the place where you'll be staying for a little while. Make yourself comfortable." The knight would say as he took off his great helmet and sat it on an armor rack. There were two beds in the tent, one had not been slept in for a while, with the other looked use, no doubt where the knight slept. There were a few books on the used bed, which Harold might enjoy when he wasn't practicing his sword play. "Sorry about the rough treatment, and the fact I can't unbind you just yet. No doubt the commander will be here shortly, and demand to see you or take you back to the command tent, which I will not allow. My commander is a smart, but somewhat of a straightforward thinker, perhaps too straight forward. He needs to play more chess if you ask me." The knight said as he proceeded to remove his gauntlets as well. He was leaving on the main pieces of his armor that covered his torso, he felt a bit safer, and once he was done with the commander he would remove it. For now, it would stay on.
 
Sophia held her head down, focusing on the events that had led up to this moment in time. She certainly hoped that her step-father was unhappy and worried--if not for her, than for his own position in the court. Without her he was at a distinct disadvantage. After all, without her he had little to offer now that his holdings were under attack. Sophia ran through the events of the past week in her mind, trying to remember everything she'd learned.

Her pack had been recovered with her and was in Harold's care now. They would need it if they wanted to get to the bottom of everything. She wasn't entirely sure of what she could do without looking over everything, but she needed to help her friend. He was risking a lot to keep her safe, not to mention enact a revenge plan that didn't seem entirely well-advised, even with a rebel army on his side.

Her concentration broke when Harold nudged her and she looked up to find the rebel camp right in front of her. Her eyes widened in what might have been fear to the untrained eye, but was mostly just surprise. They had been this close all along? No wonder they hadn't had much trouble taking the mansion. She grimaced a bit as the new soldiers came out to get in their leers and abuse. Of course, Harold wouldn't let them touch her, but words were hardly harmless.

It wasn't long before she was being grabbed off of the horse by her friend. She appreciated his efforts to be more realistic, and did her best to show disdain before he guided her into the tent. She sighed and chuckled at his comment about making herself comfortable. She looked down at her ropes and cocked her eyebrow.

"Easier said than done, my friend," she said softly. "I understand. I asked you to be more rough with me, didn't I? It's alright. I can't say I'm not nervous, Harold. The only reason I'm not afraid is because you're with me." She smiled a little, though it was half-hearted at best. Her smokey eyes found his and she shook her head. "What happens now?"
 
Harold would take care of her pack, he had assumed it was full of her precious memories that involved her mother. Memories that he believed were worth respecting at the very least. Of course that is what he thought was in the sack, he didn't know it was evidence that might play a key role in discovering the truth behind everything. He wouldn't be too upset if he were to learn, but that was Sophia's call. He placed the bag far underneath his cot to prevent it from being seen in case Sophia wanted to review those memories later during her captivity. When she began to speak, he turned his attention back to her. She commented about how it was easy to say get comfy when she wasn't all that comfy to begin with.

"Yes, well sorry, we can do something about your situation here in a little bit. Once I deal with the commander, and grab us food then we should be left alone. Not all the rebels want to deal with a noble man like myself, they like to keep their distance if they can help it. However, armored foot steps approached the tent with intent, and Harold turned to see the commander, a man whose beard had began to turn a bit white. The hair on his head was not spared from that fate at all either, and he gestured for the knight to follow. Outside it was an arguement almost moments after it began to start, the commander was asking why she wasn't in the command tent, and Harold was reminding the commander that if the men had a chance to take advantage, and that she would be safer with a man who knows the code of chivalry. After many more moments of debating and cursing at one another, one pair of armored feet stormed off. Another slightly more calmer pair of feet would follow, where were they going?

After a couple of minutes, He would return with two plates of bread, venison, and a clay cup of water. He set them on the table, and went ahead and untied Sophia, if she had not done so herself by this point, and handed her a plate of food. "We should be in the clear now, they rarely bother me anymore." He said as he went ahead and removed the rest of his armor, with some difficulty as he was doing it alone. Once he was out, he would be wearing a fairly basic tunic, one could not complain about at least having clothes when they were considered to be wanted in all towns.
 
Sophia frowned and wiggled in her ropes a bit. She couldn't really escape them on her own, but she could make herself a bit more comfortable. Her skills as a rogue were important, but the ropes were tied securely just out of her reach, and there wasn't much to use to free herself in the tent. Plus, there were other officers that might try to come in and find a free prisoner. That could make things much worse.

Moments after the argument stopped, they were both gone. Sighing, She took a seat on his cot, resting there, wishing that she had a plan. At this point, she would have tried to make her escape, but Harold was here and she wanted to stay with him to help him. Plus, she wasn't entirely sure she could do it on her own.

In the middle of these musings, he returned with food for the both of them. She smiled and stood again, glad to be free as he untied her. "Thank you," she said with stretch. She rubbed her arms as he removed the armor he wore with some difficulty. She would have to help him in the future. "You know, you can ask for my help. I might not be terribly strong, but I can help you out of that."

Once he was out, she rushed to his side and embraced him again, needing the comfort of her best friend and the only one who could relate to her. She stayed there for a long moment, trying to forget all of the things she'd seen and heard today. "I'm sorry. This must be so tiresome for you, but I just need a moment. Please? I've missed you so much, and after everything that's happened...Just give me a little time?"
 
Harold nodded and offered her a smile in response to her thanks for untying her, but when she asked about helping him out the armor he would look over his shoulder, "Thank you Sophia, I will keep that in mind in the near future. I was hoping not to trouble you so you could focus on your meal." Harold said, he knew he could get himself out of his armor, but it was a little difficult. He was considering how far she had gone, and that she must have been hungry after such a long trip. Therefore, he wanted to help her needs before his own needs. "After all you have had quite the day and I bet you are tired enough to just want to sleep and rel-" He'd begin to say when she suddenly embraced him, and explained her actions for hugging him.

He gently embraced her too, "Take as much time as you like Sophia, I don't mind. In fact I like being close to you." He would say as he rubbed her back with one of his hands, it was meant to be encouraging, but there was another emotion in his touch. Love. He was expressing some of the developing feelings he had for her since they had known each other for so long, he wanted her to know how special she was to him. "I already told you that I would keep you safe from harm, take as much time as you need to my dear. I don't have any plans of allowing harm to befall you. I'm here to protect those I care about." He said as he kept her embraced a soft smile on his face as he rubbed her back. The young man would remain standing as long as she was, until she had enough time to relax. Then he would eat, but for now he just loved having her close to him. Part of him wanted to go a bit further, but it was better not to overwhelm her with emotion.
 
Sophia was happy that he thought of her first. It just proved that he was still the man she'd met so long ago. Harold had always been kind to her. Since the day he'd met her, he'd been nothing but a gentleman. He always seemed to have a kind word or advice for her when she really needed it. He had been loyal and sweet to her. Having that kind of friend with her now was a greater comfort than she had first realized. Now, as his strong arms gently held her, she felt as safe as she'd ever been.

Even though the world around her was rapidly shifting, she still had one person to keep her grounded. Knowing that tears would probably kill him, she kept them at bay with deep breaths and a tighter grip than was really necessary. The food could wait just a little longer. She soaked up his warmth and tried her best to borrow his strength, closing her eyes for a moment. She focused on him entirely, getting her bearings back as he reassured her. He liked being close to her, he wanted to protect her. He cared about her. If that wasn't love, she wasn't sure what was.

But it seemed to her that they had always had a bond like this one. They shared a love born of friendship, even if the potential for more had always been present. This was probably just that. No need to get too excited. No reason to feel her heart speed up a little at his words. He was just being a good friend. A great friend. A confusing friend.

After a long moment, his kind smile and a nice back rub, her heart had finally calmed down, and her urge to cry suppressed. "Thank you, Harold." She smiled and kissed his cheek before letting him go and turning to the food. "We should eat and rest. I'm tired, but it must be nothing compared to your weariness. After all, you rode into battle, fought, found me, and then took the trip back." She smiled and then took up one of the plates he'd brought and started to eat, glad for something warm in her belly to fight off the feelings of unease and sadness that had taken up residence there.
 
Noting her tight grip, Harold would let Sophia cling to him as much as she wanted. Her world had been turned upside practically, and he was probably the only familiar thing she could cling to. Harold went through that too, and he knew how hard it was to have your life flipped upside down at a moment's notice. It had happened to him once his father was killed, and he was announced to be a traitor to the kingdom. They were the only two people who they knew in this hostile place, and when she clung tightly to him he would hug her even tighter. Letting her know that she was safe, and nothing would harm her so long as he was alive. While they clung to one another he felt his heart flutter a bit, he wanted to court her, but...now was not the time nor place. Surely she is a bit unstable emotionally, now would not be the time to announce such a declaration. He could not put her through another emotional upheaval like that. Nor did he think he was worthy of her love due to this stain on his honor, but if there was anyone who would look past that it was Sophia.

When she kissed his cheek he would try to control the bit of color that would come to his face, no need to be shy or anything like that. It didn't suit a man of honor and war like himself. When she mentioned how they should eat he would nod, "Yes, it has been a full day for me, but during times of war one grows used to such exhaustion. Feeling that exhaustion is actually a good thing, it means you are alive to wake up another day." The knight began to eat as well feeling food fill his empty belly, the sounds of rowdy celebration filled the rest of the camp as drunken men cheered and boasted of their "heroic" deeds. The knight sighed a bit, "They celebrate victory far too early for their cause, this war is a long one, and this was but a minor victory. Though their commanders delude them with other thoughts and dreams of victory. Foolish choices, it makes men overconfident, and overconfident men make mistakes in battle and in strategy. Steady action is the best course." The knight would say as he took another bite of bread. After a moment of pause he looked toward Sophia, "Your father, why did he keep you locked up? If you don't mind me asking?"
 
Sophia felt much better now that she had food in her system and Harold's comfort. She caught a little smile at the kiss, but decided not to tease him. He was being very nice to her, after all. It just seemed mean-spirited to go from there. Especially since he'd seemed to need the comfort just as much as she had. She sat close to him, eating her meal slowly to savor the taste and feel a little more full than she might normally. She doubted a prisoner would be getting any seconds.

She couldn't help but agree with Harold's assessment of the men outside. She didn't know much about military men, but it certainly made sense to her. She paused when he asked her about her father keeping her locked away and sighed. "Well, you're one of the very few people who know about that. My father brought me into his life because he needed a pawn. I didn't like the idea as much as he did. So to control me and keep me from doing anything untoward, he kept me under lock and key and threatened my mother's well-being if I stepped too far out of line."

She grimaced a bit and looked into his eyes. "My father isn't a good man, Harold. But he was good to my mother, and I couldn't let that end simply because I didn't agree with his politics. Besides--he was mostly just trying to marry me off to the most advantageous person or use me as a lure for allies. I think he knew that I would be trouble if I learned too much, so he kept me in the dark."
 
As Sophia explained that her father brought her into his life to use her, he would clearly frown. He didn't apperciate his very close friend being used as a means to an end. In fact it made him quite angry to be honest, just another reason to seek justice against Lord Heldrick. It left a bad taste in his mouth calling Lord Heldrick her father, she was far too kind to be his off-spring, and far too beautiful for that matter. Oh how she made his heart flutter whenever he laid eyes upon her. When she made it clear that her father wasn't a good man, the knight would nod. "I never said he was, I never liked him. I tolerated him and curried his favor, because I couldn't bear losing a good friend just because I thought her father was a rather terrible and dark man." The shamed man would say offering her a smile, she was quite important to him, though she already figured out that much.

"Well I propose we go to sleep once we finish eating, and taking care of any preparations we take before going to sleep." The knight would say as he finished up the last bit of his food, he would set the clay plates aside on a stand of some sort. He would take her plate when she was done and do the same. He would gesture to a nearby cot, "You can sleep there if you so desire, I'll be sleeping here so if you need me, just scream, and I'll take care of the cur who dared to trespass. Though if you need to wake me for any other reason, call my name...do not touch me." The knight would say as he took a dagger and stuck it under his pillow so it would be fairly easy to draw when he needed it. Yes, he would be prepared for whatever may try to harm them.
 
Sophia was touched at the sentiment that he valued her friendship so much that he was willing to tolerate a man he seemed to hate so much. Her eyes lingered on his face, feeling much closer to him somehow. She smiled and leaned against his shoulder a little bit. "Thank you for that. You were one of the only people who made my life happy."

When he proposed sleeping next, she nodded. Exhaustion was starting to settle in quite comfortably. "That's probably a good idea," she said picking at her food a little. "This is probably going to sound silly, but...Do you think I could sleep a little closer to you? I feel like if I'm too far from you, I'll just break down when it's time to sleep. This is all....a lot. You know? I promise I'll stay as far as you want me," she said, deciding that she should probably just finish eating and try to bury her feelings.

But maybe he would understand? There was always a chance.
 
Harold smiled as she leaned on his shoulder, and how she thanked him for being there for her, "Your company was always enjoyable, and I was just doing what any friend should do for another. No need to make me sound so heroic." He would say chuckling the last thing he really needed was becoming anymore heroic than what he was before his betrayal, he had earned enough good deeds through his valor on the battlefield to last him a lifetime. To be honest he would be perfectly fine with being a regular nobleman with his friend. When she asked if she could sleep closer to him, he would be surprised, she had been so strong thus far. However, if that is really how she felt then he could not blame her.

As he settled on his cot he would leave plenty of room for her to get as close as she wanted, he wouldn't complain if she were to cuddle up against him. In fact if she did he would bring an arm around to keep her close and safe from any harm that may attempt at night. Once she was settled he would drift off to sleep, awakening every other hour to check to see if there was any unwanted company. After confirming there wasn't he would return to his happy slumber where he dreamt of the girl not by a mere few inches from him.

The next morning the knight would awaken and check their tent no one was in it so they had been secure all night. He then looked to the woman who made his heart flutter every time he laid eyes on her face. He would smile happily at her, before getting up from the bed. He would silently remove his bastard sword from its sheath and begin to clean the blade, and the rest of his equipment. The knight could hear the sound of other men rousing from their drunken slumber, chances are the rebel army would remain put as the leaders plotted their next move against the tyranny of his majesty. Which only Harold would have a good plan for, well maybe their commander did, but the others seemed to lack the finer points of such tactical genius. They were pawns to be used, not the more special and unique pieces of a chessboard. The knight would go back to his maintenance of his gear while he waited for his friend to awaken.
 
Sophia was surprised that he let her stay so close. Normally, she would have expected him to stand on ceremony. Or at least put up some resistance. She was certain that if she'd had to sleep alone, she wouldn't sleep, no matter how tired she was. She was afraid she would fall apart after her efforts to be brave and stay strong. At night, when she really would be all alone, she knew that she would be weak. But now, Harold would be with her. She wouldn't be all alone.

"Thank you, my friend." She smiled and let him settle in as she took out her elaborate hair style, lovely red locks tumbling down her back and shoulders as she removed the pins. She set them aside along with the ribbon that had been in her hair. She ran her fingers through her silky tresses and then settled in right next to Harold, cuddled into him. She put her arm around him and made herself comfortable, closing her eyes.

When she finally fell asleep, she dreamed of him. Meeting Harold for the first time, of becoming his friend, of their meetings together, of everything. When it came to him revealing his identity again, Sophie stirred a bit in her sleep, waking up to find him there with her, still protecting her in his sleep. His arm around her was a comfort, as was his steady breathing and even heartbeat. When her eyes adjusted in the dark, she smiled and kissed him feather-light. "Sweet dreams."

And then she was out like a light. When she woke again, her knight was gone. She leaned up, looking around until she found him, not far at all, cleaning his sword. "There you are. Good morning," she said, sitting up slowly, running her fingers through her hair.
 
The knight watched her hair reach it's full length, to be honest he loved it when she let her hair flow free from their pins. He always appreciated the natural beauty of long hair, he never understood why, he just found it more attractive than short hair. Then when she cuddled into him, he would do his best to hide his blush and placed an arm around her to let her know that she was safe alongside him. They weren't violating any traditions or honor because they were not going to the next step, that was only for married couples or a couple that was so deeply in love and could not set aside their feelings till they got married.

When she kissed him, he would visibly relax quite a bit, as if a great weight had been lifted off him. He knew that he would sleep well, even if he would awaken several times throughout the night. His dreams also revolved around some of the memories he had with her, how thye would ride through the fields, and how they would always go to a hill for a picnic. Such great times, better times than what they were experiencing here and now.

The next morning he saw her wake up, and greet him. He stopped cleaning his sword, and put it in his sheath, "Good morning, Sophia, tell me did you sleep well?" The knight asked as he took a seat in a nearby chair. He would wait for her to answer, and appeared to be contemplating something. "Tell me Sophia, the rebels will not be too active today as they draft out the terms for your ransom. If we could sneak out for a bit would you be interested in eating on the crest of a hill not far from here? I think we ought to be able to do it, if we get the sentries to get distracted for long enough."
 
Sophia smiled and stretched a little as he asked if she had slept well. "Yes, thank you. Thank you for letting me stay with you." She ran her fingers through her hair and stood up to straighten her dress. When he asked about the hill top she blinked in surprise. "Really? Do you think that would be alright?" Was it really possible?

"If you think we can, I would like it very much. I have missed you so much. It would be nice to feel like we used to. Even if it's just for a little while."

She gathered her fiery locks back into a simple braid and let it fall down her back. "Do you think I could get my hands on a change of clothes? It might be hard to get around unnoticed in a dress."
 
Harold nodded his head at her when she thanked him for letting her say with him, "It's no problem Sophia, I understood your concerns quite clearly, and it is a knight's duty to ensure that a lady is not left in distress." When she expressed her interests in attending the hill, and her concerns about being noticed. Yes, her dress was a problem as she would stick out like a sore thumb among this rabble, and no matter how drunk the men were they would be able to recognize a noble women in that dress. The knight moved over to a chest, and opened it up for her. He set out various pairs of matching tunics for her to choose from, one of a plain white color, but made out of fine material that caressed the skin rather than simply rubbing against it. It was like the gentle caress of a lover, or so the merchant had told him, granted Harold was very skeptical of such a claim, those men were motivated by the sin of greed more than anything. Another tunic was the shade of red, like her hair, but at the same time there was a lighter brown and green one that might be a bit more subtle due to their darker colors.

"As for if we can, we can, but will the rebels be too thrilled about it? No, they will not, but I imagine they will remain in their morning stupor. I took a look of round to confirm, and they are all sleeping like babes, granted very unruly and smelly ones, but babes none the less. We should be able to grab horses with little trouble, and it is a very short ride away. We can enjoy it for a bit, and if we're lucky then we might be able to sneak back in completely unnoticed. Even if we are, I have an excuse that should be able to get us out of any trouble, and it won't even be a lie." Harold said before turning and grabbing a sack to fill with food, "Anything you prefer to eat? If I can get it, I will, but understand that this rabble does not have luxuries that we had back in our homes, so choices are a bit limited." They had a lot of bread, but that was the most common thing they had, everything else was a bit lacking...besides alcohol that is. Evidently they had plenty of that too.
 
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