Raziel and Bunny- -Betrayals-

[Corporal Bunny]

Lady Muriel Rosaline Anastas stepped unto the dirt training arena. Dust was already settling around a fallen squire who lay upon his face, his leg tucked awkwardly under him as he moaned incoherently, spitting a mix of blood and dirt from his injured mouth.

Muriel should have fled then. Any woman befitting of her station would have grimaced at the sight of blood, especially if she was about to put herself in harms way. But, Muriel was no ordinary woman. True, she had the most fashionable of features.

She was petite, golden hair hung like spun gold from her scalp. Unfortunately, what would have been prized locks were cut short at her shoulders, causing the strands to curl under her defiant jaw-line. Lush lips curled up in what seemed to be a constant mocking expression upon a rounded chin. Eyes the color of flax were leaden with heavy black lashes, her nose thin and straight-- A nose never broken or bloodied. Her skin, however, was a darker pink hue than most ladies; evidence she spent too much time in the sun. Not even a freckle marred her perfect skin-- skin that had never been bruised outside of a corset.

Yes, Muriel Rosaline Anastas was the physical epitome of a lady; delicate. There was a fierceness in her gaze as she fixed it upon her goal. The 5â??1â? blond approached her target. Brown leather breeches curled around her legs as if they adored every curve of her shape. A master in sewing she had devised that skirts were far too cumbersome for her knew profession and constructed many other wardrobe options for herself. Upon her upper half she wore a white linen shirt. The shirt was that of a manâ??s, a small man-- but a man all the same. She had obviously not taken the time to sew what would be under armor. Her tiny shoulders were less than adequate to hold the linen and so often one shoulder would slide from itâ??s confines in an almost explicit manner.

Too much skin for a woman to bare to public, even to a husband. The shirt was finely made however, as if she had taken it from her lord father. Ruffles swung around her wrists, around her finely etched collar bones and across what looked like an adequate bust under the loose fitting garment.

Linen bunched around her hips as it seemed Muriel had hurriedly tucked it into the tight band of her breeches, accenting the curve of female hips.


â??Sir Alexander â??de Vaux?â? She called in a honey tone as she approached. Even the fallen squire wrenched around to look at her oddly through a bloodied eye.

â??I have an important document for you.â? she said before he turned. Reaching out with the document; her seal of approval she waited for the recognition to dawn on him.

 

[Raziel99]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

The training battle had been terribly one-sided, Raphael quickly being disarmed, followed by the butt of Alexander's sword into his helmet, knocking it into his face and causing his nose to break because he wasn't wearing it right. It also looked like the corner knocked a tooth out or cut him along the gum, because he was spitting out blood.

"Come on, Raphael." Alexander said, kicking the blade back to him before turning away. "I know you can do better than that, get your armor on right and let's go." Alex himself straightened out his armor before getting into a ready position... until he saw the woman walking back to him, and he loosened, sheathing the blade and turning to her. He heard his name, and he half comprehended until he took the documents from her. He recognized the seal, knew what it meant even before opening it and turning to Raphael. "You are dismissed for the day. Go train with the blade."

Alexander de Vaux, a contender for the princess' hand if he wanted it, his smooth face, coupled with dark hair and a toned body, and all the accomplishments he made in such a short time. But he wasn't really interested in such things. Being a future king wasn't his calling. Serving was. He brushed the hair from his face absently as he looked over the papers. His armor was a little dirty from kicked up dust, as well as some caked on dirt from a training match with one of the Angelic Blades. One of the few people he would admit defeat to.

He looked up at the woman after reading the papers. The corner of his mouth twitched upwards as he remembered himself as a youth. Everyone thought he would die on his first mission, that he would be useless and that he should have stayed in the village and been working in the farms. But he proved them wrong. And the woman in front of him seemed to give off enough spark to put some faith in him. Hell, he brought up worse for wars, and she was rather brave with wearing such a badly fitting, nearly provocative shirt and leather pants. He forced his mind back to the dealings at hand and not about her clothing.

"You have to be kidding me..." He muttered, loud enough for her to hear, his eyes going back to the paper. "I'll have to go talk to them and see if they need to get their eyes checked. Because there's no way..." The smirk on his face got a little bigger as he picked his eyes up to look at her. "...That I'm going to let this challenge go to waste and let you walk out of here unable to use a sword properly."

 

[Corporal Bunny]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

As Muriel waited for Sir Vauxâ??s reaction she watched Raphael scurry off. Half muttering obscenities as he glared back at her. Muriel merely lifted her chin higher at this judgment before turning her golden eyes back to the Knight.

The knight was rumored as the best throughout kingdoms far and wide. A man that accomplished so much in so little time. It was even suggested that the king had offered his only daughter, Princess Isabella to Sir Vaux. After all, like many women, the Princess was completely enamored with the Knight. He had been promised many outstanding dowries over the years. Even the King wanted to bestow more land and titles upon him. Never before had a Knight-- a servant of the King, risen so high.

Shifting her head to the side she flicked the straight tresses from her eyes. Licking her lips against the dust that threatened to dry them out she gazed over him. Heavy armor did little to hide his lean frame in fact it only added to his imposing image. That and the fact that Muriel herself was such a meager height.

Bracing herself for rejection Muriel lifted her delicate chin, craning her elegant neck to meet his gaze as she peered expectantly at him. The beginning of his statement almost made her heart break, her plansâ?¦ her life-- her ambition. But, it was only a moment of disappointment before the actual acceptance.

A genuine smile caused her moist lips to dimple as she looked at him. Bowing her head she gave a very lady-like curtsey to him, despite her attire. An interesting array of lady-like behaviorism mixed with what seemed to be male ambition.

What a strange lady.

Muriel pursed her lips, a smile still lingering on the edges as she peered through her eyelashes at him; a very charming look indeed. Finishing school taught a woman how to manipulate a manâ??s mindâ?¦

â??When do we start?â? she asked silkily.

 

[Raziel99]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

His smirk turned into a soft smile as he saw her hopes fly through the roof, so to speak, with his acceptance. He nearly threw the letter to the ground, unneeded now, and he turned from her at her question. He had been chased after for so long, that it was almost like he was immune to feminine charms, like what she was giving him now.

"When do we start?" He laughed quietly. "We start immediately. From this moment, you are my squire. I train many people, but I only take one squire at a time. It is something very important, that a knight must do. Training the warriors of the next age. I don't plan to send out but the elite." He moved to the training square, unsheathing his blade and pointing the tip of it to a rack at the edge of the square.

"First, I want to see what you know. Pick a weapon from over there, bow, sword, axe, daggers, whatever it is, I don't care. Then i want you to come at me to kill." He turned to her then, eyes locking on hers. "You can wear what you are wearing now. You will need to learn to use heavy armor." He lowered his body slightly, holding his blade in a purely defensive manner...

...And as he watched her move to the rack, it reminded him of his first training lesson as a squire. He had used a short sword, and he was shocked when a strong strike from the knight that was training him broke it, shattered it to nearly just a hilt. He had tried attacking with just that, only to get knocked back and a broken lip. Training was tough, but he got through it. He shook his head, clearing the image from his eyes so he could focus on her. He didn't need to mess up and get a arrow to the throat.

 

[Corporal Bunny]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

Murielâ??s eyebrow rose as he turned his back towards her. Her face was solemn as he spoke to her about the duties and responsibilities of a squire. For a normal Lady a squire was a slave, but for Muriel it was a greater rank. A rank of potential.

Giving a nod she walked passed him, the sweet smell of vanilla mixing with the smell of the arena; sweat and blood. The natural sway of her hips matched her eager pace to the weapon rack. Her long fingers caressed each weapon as if it were her lover.

Indecisiveness caused her to take longer than normal. At first she reached for a two-handed broad sword, but soon thought better of it when the weight nearly toppled her. Choosing two light weight yet sturdy hatchets she turned towards him, her linen shirt already slipping indecently.

Muriel had never thought about actually killing before. A bit of doubt flickered over her expression as she evaluated her situation. Calculating his distance and height, and the fact that he was more burdened with armor than sheâ?¦

Sheâ??d have to find a way to knock him off balance if she even had a chance of winning. For even the delicate lady knew in one hit sheâ??d be bruised on the dirt like the previous Raphael.

No, Muriel knew her chances were slim as she sauntered towards him, her hands anxiously gripping around the shafts of the small axes. Testing their weight she flexed her wrists causing the weapons to glitter in the sunlight.

A calculating look came over her face as the weapons sparkled in the light. Blinding him was a possibility as she widened her stance for balance, her legs spreading as she prepared herself in a relaxed position.

Eyes darted around her environment trying to gather any kind of advantage.

â??My handsome Knight-â? she began with a bewitching smile as she approached him rather relaxed and unthreateningly. Her weapons seemed to be to heavy for her as she spoke, â??Iâ??m not sure I can impress upon you my lack of experience in this areaâ?¦â? when she was within arms length she lifted one silver hatchet above her head, catching the rays of the sun as she attempted to redirect a shaft of light towards sensitive eyes.

It was a fast unexpected movement as her thighs tensed, bringing the other axe towards his headâ?¦
Muriel had swift nimble movements befitting of confidence, but still untutoredâ?¦

 

[Raziel99]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

He watched her move closer, sauntering towards him. If he wasn't battle ready, he might have fallen for it. But as he saw her lift the axe, he already was moving his head, the light missing his eyes. His hands were fast with the blade, parrying the hatchet that came down on him with a spin, disarming that one, before slashing heavily at the one above her, disarming that one as well. He swept her legs with a decisive kick, his arms going out and catching her, careful not to drop his blade or injure her with it. "You have a lot of work to do..." He said in a low voice, rather playful, considering the match they just did...


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



It had been a short four years to him, as he looked over his squire as he handed her a parchment, rolled up. It all blazed in front of his eyes, a few things recollecting as he held back tears of pride for her. The first thing that came into his mind was her little squabble with Raphael. He said little because it didn't end with bloodshed, but nobody would mess with her after that day.

Raphael had been a little drunk, about 5 days after they began training. He had gotten too close to her, and she threatened him with pain. Raphael took it too personally, and challenged her on the training square. Alex had to admit, he was proud when she blinded him, disarmed him, then knocked him down. But the kick to Raphael's nuts could have been skipped.

Then it went to the goblin massacre, where he saw her kill at least 50 of them on her own when the Goblins invaded the nearby village in huge numbers. They barely saved the village itself, and there were a lot of deaths. But it might have been that single incident that got her enough status to become a knight. At least, with this one mission.

"You read it, right?" Alexander said softly, leaning against the wall before turning to her. "Just a couple of thieves to get you ready. Then you will be a knight proper." He had to admit, they had grown close over the years, saving each other's neck a few times.

 

[Corporal Bunny]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

Four long years of bruises, blood and sweat. Four years of learning warfare. Years of keeping the lies hidden from her Lord. She had always been a quite reserved squire, avid and hungry for all he was willing to teach her. Yes, she was a great student, but the time had approached.

Licking her lips she stared towards him. Her final mission had comeâ?¦ in fact, it was her original mission. It was obvious something was bothering her as she gave him a shadowed smile with a small incline of her head, â??Yes mâ??lord, Iâ??ve read it.â? she said in her usual soft tone. She wore the silver armor, engraved with her masterâ??s emblem. The heavy plate and chain link nothing to her now.

She had grown to be less delicate. Years of training sculpted her petite body into a flexible compact killer. Though she was more durable now her greatest obstacle was still her stature. However, due to the dim-wittedness of her opponents her strength was harshly underestimated and so still gave her the advantage.

She tilted her head a bit, contemplating. Her hair had grown considerably since the day they met, now resting mid back in a hurried pony-tail. Still the golden tresses shun over her eyes as she regained that same calculating expression. She was always very focused on any objective he had given her. She had soon proven to be one of his more promising students. But, today she seemed distracted, perhaps nerves had finally coiled around the woman.

â??Just a small band of thievesâ?¦â? she muttered before linking eyes with him. They had indeed grown close over the years. He was a rough teacher, but somehow she felt he was always aware of her female fragility. Taking into account her weakness he helped her hone her strengths to cover up such soft spots.

She had learned to kill under his guidance. Learned to deal with soaked blood on her hands. For Muriel the training had been just as emotionally taxing as it had physically. She could have let him die many times, but she promised herself that it was for the good of her original mission that she helped him as he helped her. Promised herself that it wasnâ??t the growing attachment.

Licking her bottom lip she gave him another small feeble smile. He had been offered many new positions during their time together, and still seemed comfortable to not rise. She wondered, briefly, if he was offered the same power somewhere elseâ?¦ under another law---

â??How many?â? she inquired sweetly.

 

[Raziel99]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

He turned his head to look at her, seeing how she had developed. He remembered the first time she put on heavy armor, barely able to walk under it's weight. She had came a long way from the woman that came in with the falling shirt and woman demeanor. He knew the killing was hard, but he was sure she was better with it now.

He heard her question and read through the papers quickly. "They estimate around 10. I'm guessing it's more like 15. The two of us are suppose to go down and take care of them, kill, capture, or make them retreat." He handed her the papers back, standing up straight before slowly walking off, waiting for her to follow.

"They have a carriage for us." he said softly. It will take us straight to the town. Are you ready?"

 

[Corporal Bunny]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

Muriel looked towards the carriage. â??Iâ??d prefer to ride horse back. I wouldnâ??t want the driver to be in dangerâ?¦â? it was a awkward complaint. Usually the squire did things without question.

Taking the parchment from him she placed it in the metal girdle of her armor. Sure that it was secure she left it there to be forgotten as her mind raced. Ten menâ?¦ Ten men at first. But, he was in for a surprise. Golden eyes looked towards the Knight, he should have just gotten married to Princess Isabella. If he had done what was expected she could have spaired him the coming torture of events.. Including her betrayal.

Pressing her plush lips together into a thin determined line she began to unhook a grey gelding from the carriage. Muriel tried to shake off the guilt as she freed the horse, handing the reigns to her master before returning to its partner. She had learned on her travels that a saddle while more comfortable was often a hazard to a Knight. It got in the way, caused the Knight to often become tangled in the stirrups in the awkward plate. No, traveling light would be idealâ?¦

Removing the brown mare she soothed a hand down itâ??s muscled neck, as if to sooth herself. She stared at her Master from under the dark mane of the beast.

 

[Raziel99]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

He heard her say that it would be better to ride their own horses, and for once he agreed. "They don't know the numbers, I don't want to endanger our rider either. We don't get a knight escort this time." He took the horse form her as she handed him the reins. He stroked his fingers through the mane for a moment before getting on, putting on his gauntlets and heading out in front of her. "Follow."

It was a good hours ride to the village, but soon he was tying the horse to a nearby tree, waiting for her to do the same. He stood near the edge of the city before turning to her. "Ok, this is your test. So I am following you as backup. Lead the way." He unsheathed his sword, ready for the combat that he knew was coming.

 

[Corporal Bunny]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

The ride was silent and long. She followed obediently. Soon they were at the destination. The endâ?¦

Muriel sighed heavily, shakily-- but, it was covered by the clank of armor as she landed on her feet, tying her mare next to his. She looked over her shoulder at him. A silent exchange as she turned her back towards him.

Nimble hands raked through her long golden hair as she undid itâ??s bounds. Leaning forward she tied her silken hair more securely on the top of her head. The strands fell to shoulders in this new position. With one final look towards her Lord she began walking. Drawing her sword with a confident movement. She paced a few steps, right into the camp of bandits.

It was silent, not even the birds chirped, as if they too were keeping a secret. Before her lay the encampment, which seemed meager at best. A few trees provided cover for it.

The confident woman began to tremble as she turned one more pleading look over her shoulder, a sad calculating looked passed over her features.

A commotion caused her to turn forward again. Ten men--wayward knights disguised as bandits appeared, clapping each other on the back in congratulations for a recent pillage. They were dirty, roughâ?¦ not at all like her Lord. The men turned towards her, surprised angry expressions turned to smirks and recognition. Light streamed through the trees and reflected off her, causing an almost illumination effect.

She turned towards her Lord, her back towards the aggressors as she looked down. Finally making eye contact with him a fierce expression replaced her guilt. Leveling her sword with his Adamâ??s apple she swallowed. Metal gleamed in the light as she stared at him silently. She was a few paces away, as was the group of men that soon created an armed semi-circle behind her.

â??Drop your weapon, Lord Vauxâ?¦â? she said smoothly. If he was to run, theyâ??d catch him easily. If he was to fight, theyâ??d out number him, even if he was at a severe advantage due to his prowess.

â??Dropâ?¦ the weapon.â? Muriel stated again, her voice cold as she tilted her chin further up to portray a look of dominance.

 

[Raziel99]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

Everything rushed by him, until he felt her sword near his throat. He heard her words. He could hear the movement all around him. A set up? He couldn't believe it. He still held his sword tight in his hand. "Betrayal, is this?" He said in a low voice. It was more sorrowful than anything, barely covering a underlying tone of hurt and anger. Everything seemed to slow down as he started to move. He jumped back quickly, his sword coming up and parrying her blade away from him. He landed a good few steps back, enough to put up a defense, and he brought his blade up to defend.

"If you want me, you will have to take me dead!" He said in a low growl, his hand going towards his leg. He pulled out a short sword, going into a stance he never went into except for his very life, when it was in danger. Only then did he dual wield and show his true skill. If he was to die, he would be bringing a lot of them with him.

 

[Corporal Bunny]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

Muriel swallowed as she watched the acknowledgment of the situation flicker over his expression.

â??Drop your weapons!â? She said again, more fiercely as regret began to shine in her golden eyes. She still held her sword level with him, her eyes making contact with his above the point.

â??Enough!â?? said one man behind her as they moved past her, roughly brushing her as five descended on him. Circling like sharks they bared their weapons at him as they smirked over confidently.

The rest lingered back, to give room for the brawl. Too many would clutter the battle field and cause clumsiness. The tallest and most experienced man stood next to Muriel, a hand secure on her shoulder as a finger ran down her exposed neck, â??Good, my girl. You have done well.â?? He said affectionately as Muriel shifted uncomfortably, almost disgusted by his touch on her skin. It was for the bestâ?¦ for her ambition.

She watched with attentive eyes as the men prepared for the capture. â??Please, milord, drop your weapons.â?

The man beside her laughed at her pleas, â??You need not show him any more respect girl, now.. Run along and meet with the commander.â? he said briskly, giving her a soft tap on the rump to push her away from the scene, fearing her womanly feelings would interfere.

She lowered her weapon then, giving a final glance at her Lord before looking at the man with narrowed eyes, â??Touch me again and I will slit you from naval to nasalâ? To reinforce this she scraped her blade across his armor swiftly.

â??My dear Edward, I do so hope he kills you for you stupidity in under estimating him.â? With a flick of her head she brushed bangs from her face, â??I will get reinforcements, as you will need it.â? With that Muriel disappeared behind a tent.

The older man who was now identified as Edward sputtered angrily. â??Take him down!â? he pointed before brandishing the large axe on his back and strutting forward as he gave the commands.

 

[Raziel99]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

He watched everything, studied every minutia detail and heard every word. At least she still had some respect for him. That was good. He heard the order to attack, seeing him lift a ate up, a heavy looking weapon. Brutes. He knew how to deal with brute fighters, even outnumbered 5 to 1.

He took a jump backwards, ducking down and stabbing through with the longsword. He did a heavy, fast swipe that ripped through the armor and let the man fall, knocking into the man next to him. His short sword went through the throat of that man, before he turned around to face the rest of them. "Come on, You have to fight better than that!" he yelled out. He didn't notice the reinforcements coming in behind him, however, and was caught by surprise when he was smacked in the back of the head, making his ears ring. The second one made him black out, falling to the ground.

 

[Corporal Bunny]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

â??Clean this up!â??
â??Strip him! Take him to the tents and bind him. Nurse his wound, give him some water and then when he awakes call for the Commander and the Lady!â??

Commands were shouted out as the actions took place. The camp became alive with a larger brigade than expected. Yes, a variable legion of men. Now they had their weapon, the trainer of fierce armies.

They just had to persuade him to their side.



Within the tend Muriel lingered, only wearing the plate grieves above her usual leather breeches. Her now fitted linen shirt hung loosely as her unbound hair cascaded around her like a golden sanctuary. She waited for him to awake. He had been stripped of everything but his breeches, the men afraid heâ??d find a weapon out of any article or object. They had bound his hands so tightly the ropes rubbed the skin of his wrists raw. The pole caused his back to arch against it, splinters entering the skin. Heâ??d feel the pain when he awoke, not only within the pulsing of his bleeding head but the many kicks he had suffered after fallen. Kicks that had caused bruises and welts in retribution of the legions fallen comrades.

 

[Raziel99]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

He woke up about a hour later with a groan. He didn't even struggle, knowing he was bound down, knowing that it was useless. Best to conserve his energy. He was only wearing breeches underneath the armor, giving him a slight edge in mobility because it didn't grab at the armor and lock it so he couldn't move as much. He barely felt the splinters on his back, but the kicks he could feel, and he groaned slightly as he got use to the new bruises on his body.

He opened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was Muriel, back in a shirt similar to their first encounter, but in her greaves. He growled low, spitting at her feet. "Traitor." he said in a low, dark voice. His eyes were overcast as he looked up at her, face angled downward slightly to give him a more haughty, angered look. His teeth were nearly bared.

 

[Corporal Bunny]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

Muriel looked down at his expression. Pressing her plated boot into the dirt floor to rid it of his spit. â??Come nowâ?¦â?? She soothed as she reached out to tenderly stroke the strands of hair from his face.

"Itâ??s for the best, you just donâ??t know it. I had to bring you here to have you realize it. I never expected youâ??d be so stubborn and resist so reverently..â?? She paused, licking her lips, it was another lie. She knew he would resist to his last breath. But, still-- she hoped.

â??Iâ??m not a traitor. I wasnâ??t even in knight-hood yet.â?? She proclaimed, honestly. Looking at him pleadingly she scanned his muscled torso noting the bruises.

â??I think you should accept our proposalsâ?¦â?? Muriel frowned as her golden eyes warmed, â??At first it wouldnâ??t have mattered- but now I donâ??t want to see you hurt. At least hear them out.â??

She stood, walking to a corner of the tent. â??Are you thirsty?â?? she asked without turning as she had already begun to prepare a goblet of fresh water.

 

[Raziel99]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

He pulled his head away when she reached out for his hair, to brush it away. "Get away from me." he said in a low growl. He nearly hissed when she was telling him to take the offer. "I'm not going to take some scum offer form some knight-errants like yourself and those men out there! If you think otherwise, you are crazy." He turned his face away. He wasn't going to take this.

 

[Corporal Bunny]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

Muriel glared at him as she turned. ‘You won’t even consider it?’ She asked a bit roughly. The woman had always been calm; never losing her control around him. Golden eyes narrowed like a hawks as her fingers squeezed the stem of the goblet.

‘They will torture you. And when you are beaten to the threshold of death they will give you the offer again. If you refuse they will torture you until you do find death, and even then, when you die-- I will teach them what you have taught me. Either way… I only hoped you wouldn’t be as stubborn.”

Staring into the water of the goblet she hesitated before she threw it at him. The water sprayed him, cold and refreshing, it soothed the bruises and cleaned the blood that lingered on his skin. The goblet however, hit him rather forcefully in the ribs.

Tossing her head like an untamed mare she glared down her nose at him, matching his intensity.

‘Accept the offer, for the love of god. I still have enough of your honorable teachings engraved in me to try and save you from their plans. You could have the power, your own kingdom. Make it everything you ever wanted.’

A flash of Princess Isabella appeared in her mind. He could have had that before, and with a beautiful woman, an already rich kingdom.

‘You’d have the pride of starting a kingdom from the ground up… As you recognized my potential you must recognize your’s as a leader.’ Leaning over him she picked up the goblet she had thrown as her anger cooled. Her hair tickled his shoulders emitting her familiar scent; vanilla.

 

[Raziel99]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

His eyes were fierce, fiery, as they looked into hers. He listened to her words before shooting his own at her, ignoring the pain of the goblet hitting him. "You don't think I could have had that before? You think that I haven't gotten offers for marriage and riches and even my own kingdom?" He spat again at her, at her feet. "I don't want all that!" He looked away from her.

"I am not helping the enemy. I would rather die than even listen to your scum of followers." His jaw locked down. 4 years of good memories now being thrown down the proverbial drain, seeing her as a traitor now.

 

[Corporal Bunny]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

Muriel frowned again as spit hit her plate boots. She contemplated hitting him over the head with the goblet-- to beat some sense into him.

She straightened stiffly before falling to her knees between his. Grabbing his jaw her fingers bit into the flesh of his cheeks. Her gaze was intense, just as fierce as his as she glared into what appeared to be his soul.

‘Do not do that again.’ she warned before letting go of his face just as roughly. Leaning back on her heels she rocked to see the wound on his head from her vantage point.

‘Why didn’t you accept them then?’ she inquired icily, but curiously.

 

[Raziel99]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

His teeth was bared, almost like a wild animal, as he felt her hand take his chin, seeing her move close to him. He heard her words, holding back another bit of spit as he looked into her eyes. She earned that much respect from him from the years.

"Why didn't I take up their offers?" He said in a low voice, in answer of her question. "It takes a lot more work and effort to take care of a country than a army. I do not want that responsibility. Enough men fall because of my choices, I'm not making everyone go under my command." He turned his head away, eyes closing.

"And why should I marry if it is not for love?"

 

[Corporal Bunny]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

Muriel glared down at him before she averted her gaze again to his head injury, noting the blood that tangled with his hair.

‘You can only teach someone, you can not control their moves…’ The truth of her words hit her heart… she cleared her throat as if to clear away the guilt, ‘I mean to say that-- men will die under your command or under another. But, it’s what they die for that matters…” She studied his scalp, wondering where exactly the wound was.

“Did they hit you in the back of the head?’ Muriel asked rhetorically with a frown on her wind bit lips. She didn’t answer his final question. As she herself had evaded marriage for the same reason. A woman’s duty was to marry and bare sons, but not anymore…

‘Not anymore.’ Muriel said in a whisper as she stroked fingers gently through his hair trying to find the exactly location of the wound. No, she was paving the way for female freedom. She’d stop at nothing to do so. Even for affection.

 

[Raziel99]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

He struggled as her hands were going through his hair. "Leave it!" He growled out, nearly hissing through his teeth.

"What matters is the reason for it. I will not have men sacrifice themselves for me. For someone above me, yes, but not for me. I will never lead a army under my own banner." He turned his head away from her, eyes closing again. It was like his life was flashing in his eyes. "I won't have others dying for me..." He growled as he opened his eyes to look at her.

"And I will not train those that wish to kill those of my kingdom, that took me in and gave this life!" He held back another mass of spittle. He sighed, calming himself down, at least for her.

"You were the best of my squires..." he admitted, heaving a soft sigh.

 

[Corporal Bunny]

Re: Raziel and Bunny- -Insert name here-

Muriel leaned back on her heels as he struggled under her attentive fingers. Her lips pursed in that familiar calculating expression.

She stiffened at the thoughts that occurred to her, swirling around like a serpent. Licking her lips she peered at him before gazing around the tent. Pulling a dagger from her belt she leaned over his leg, her greaves pressing into his thigh.

‘I’ve already fulfilled my mission. I brought you here, along with the teachings…’ Muriel explained more to herself than him as she began to cut at the heavy ropes around his wrists.

‘Even if you escape you will not rise against us. As you said…’ she reasoned slowly, still cutting at the bounds as they began to untwine below her sharp blade. ‘They still have me to teach them-- the legion will grow just as powerful as if you were here…’ She paused a moment before nodding and continuing her work.

‘You merely escaped when I went to get the commander…’