A Bit of Tiberium [complete]

[Branowen O'Floinn]

Branowen's gaze shifted between the statues and Balian as he spoke. Taking in the statues features she processed the knowledge letting it settle in her mind. The book she had with her wasn't overflowing with information. It mostly consisted of repeat information and it was mostly useless information of food, clothing and battles. Very little information was expressed on matters like religion, daily life and such. Branowen was always thirsting for new knowledge be it on something important or something useless. If knowledge was power like the saying went, then Branowen wanted to rule over the world.

Minerva… she seemed like a perfect patron god for Branowen, embodying everything Branowen held dear. She decided she liked this god, and noted to herself that she would have to find out more on her if possible. Mars seemed to be the perfect god for Prince Arthur and his warriors. She imagined that this god was important to all the men here. Her heart was taken away with the last goddess. Home and hearth was something that could possibly be more important to Branowen then books. Home meant family and friends; it meant that unconscious smile pulling at her lips when she saw that oh so familiar cottage come into view. Home meant being welcome with open arms regardless of the hour and always having someone to lean on. Home was where the heart was, be it in a different town or country.

Branowen gave a content sigh. "I think she's going to be my favourite." Branowen gazed at the statue, a pleasant smile on her face as she nodded to herself.

The dining room was a great adventure for Branowen, with all the unusual and exotic items. Dinging and reclining was an odd concept and she couldn't see any digestive value in doing it. She guessed that it was a display of wealth and status in Tiberium, though the idea would seem strange to anyone who lived in Camelot.

Branowen enjoyed the feeling of her hand in Balian's, she realized that she was getting close to the warrior awfully quick but she couldn't help it. She was drawn to him like a moth to a flame, there was something enticing and alluring about the handsome man that grabbed her attention. She felt much like a child, her attention captured away by something for a few moments before she returned to Balian. She didn't know why she was acting like this, or why when she looked at him butterflies sprang to life in her stomach. She'd never like someone so strongly before, it was odd for her. Regardless of how strange it felt though, she knew she was getting addicted to the man in front of her. Getting addicted to the feeling he gave her.

As they walked to the library the Irish woman found herself walking closely by Balian's side with her arm pressed against his and her hand tightly holding his. For their walk through the atrium past the alter that and though the hallway. They passed the kitchens, bedrooms and more on their journey through the domus to the library. Branowen took in none of this though, except for the occasional glance at items in the rooms. For the most part her eyes wondered over Balian's face and shoulders. She wanted to run her hands along his shoulders and chest, feel the muscles ripple beneath her hands. She wanted to trace the features of his face and tangle her fingers in his hair…

Unconsciously her free hand reached up and traced the muscles of his arm lightly, her eyes watching her hand in a light daze. That is where her attention stayed for most of the journey, on his arm and her hand that smoothed over the slick surface. She hummed ever so slightly as she did so, her mind turning day dreaming about that it would feel like to be held by those arms. To be embraced and held close by those same arms that had caught her earlier.

When they reached the library it took her a moment to realise they where there, her attention fully engrossed on Balian. When her gaze was captured by the library she gasped. It was nothing like the library at the castle or her library (a library of no descript style). Her attention was drawn to the statue of Minerva, who Balian had explained was the goddess of wisdom and beautifully filled her position in the center of the room. From the stature her eyes wondered quickly to the bookshelves and the mountain of books that lined them. Her attention was drawn away by Balian as he pulled her across the marble floor to the center of the room.

Branowen gazed down the aisles unable to decide which one she wanted to wonder first, as she pondered this she listened to Balian speak. She could completely understand why he would want to take a little bit of Tiberium with him. From the little but she'd experienced she herself has to say that it was making its way into her heart, though the path or the culture was certainly being forged and cut by the handsome grappler.

Branowen could easily see herself studying in Sir Aurelius' library. "I would greatly enjoy studying here. I will have to ask Sir Augustus if I may be permitted to do so next time I speak with him." A soft smile slipped onto her lips and she couldn't help it any more, still clutching his hand she gently pulled him along as she explored the shelves. Her hands grazed the spines of books, dancing lightly over the lettering as they had Balian's arm during their walk to the room. "I must say that I cannot see why Sir Augustus would ever want to leave a room such as this. I could spend forever in this room and never grow bored!" Her smile grew as she wondered faster through the aisles, pulling the Tiberian man along behind her as she did so. Truthfully she didn't want to break contact with him, didn't want to release his hand from her grasp.

Reaching the end on the aisle she turned around to face Balian and with a shy smile spoke in a happy but quite voice "Thank you for showing me everything and catching me when I tripped. Letting go of his hand for just a moment she placed it on his shoulder, pulling him down lightly so that she could stand on her toes and kiss his cheek. Blushing she grabbed at her dress and shifted her feet nervously before scuttling off down the aisle trying to hide her ever reddening face.

○wordcount-one thousand one hundred fourteen - ○tag-Balian Aurelius-○notes –sorry my previous post one wasn't very good, I didn't have any muse.– ○credit – branowen of legends of pendragon! –

[Balian of Tiberium]

Balian could hear Demetrios within his mind urging him to take what he wanted. They were freemen now...well, somewhat. They were far from Tiberium and Augustus had never truly treated them like slaves, but that did not mean Balian could take what he wanted as he pleased. Despite the fact that Branowen's touch upon the muscles of his arm had been enough to nearly coax him to touch her. Truth be told, Balian had ached for her unlike any other.

She was no reward for a fine victory. She was no woman that was soiled and meant to pleasure him. She was a woman of Camelot and one with such a lilt to her tongue that it drew him in like a moth to the flame. She was such a lovely woman too with her vibrant hair, light eyes and fair flesh. That, and her slight frame. He wanted to lift her and set her against the wall. He wanted to hold her there and feel her squirm beneath his hands that held her pinned tightly.

He wanted to see her eyes beckon him.

That all shattered when they were within the library though and he could hear Demetrios damn him for missing his one chance. Yet, that didn't matter. Balian wasn't the sort to force himself onto another. He wasn't the sort to take such things from a woman who Balian saw as above others. She was a scholar and not some soiled dove of the slums. What she thirsted for was for knowledge and not the touch of some peculiar man from across the way.

"I'm certain that he'd appreciate your enthusiasm," Balian uttered and looked thoughtful. It was then that Branowen had begun to lead Balian instead. He followed her and watched as her freehand grazed upon one book and then another. She spoke of longing to spend time within that room and that she'd want for nothing more. It made Balian wonder and entertain the thought of keeping her. "Mayhap you will...? I mean...there are a number of guest rooms. I'm certain Augustus could settle arrangements for you to study the library more closely." Balian dared to say and he fell silent thereafter.

It was then she reached the end of on aisle and turned to face him.

He took a deep breath as he smile alighted her features and her lips parted. Idly Balian wondered of how her tongue moved to utter her words. She expressed her gratitude and Balian felt her release his hand. Then he knew that that was the end of it all...At least until the moment she touched his shoulder and her lips brushed his cheek. Then she was off and Balian stood there nearly dumbfounded as he touched his cheek.

"Branowen!" He breathed out and followed after her hurriedly.

When he had found her, though, Balian sought her hand and gripped her fingers warmly with his own. He stopped her and drew her closer to him within the privacy of the aisle. His freehand lifted to her face to touch warmly upon her cheek. She was flushed and so dark. She felt so warm to the touch too! He breathed out heavily and savored the heat from her skin. It made him forget what he had meant to say but what he could do then and there...well, Balian knew what he wanted and leaned forth to brush his mouth upon hers without shame and quite aware that she would push him away at any moment.

[Branowen O'Floinn]

The vibrant haired woman vaguely wondered what the owner of the house would think of her library, which was broken into her private collection and that of the palace. She'd come to consider the palace library her own in a sense. Though all the books were owned by the King and his family she spent most of her time there, she studied and cared for the books more then the king did. However Branowen knew she should not be coveting the king's books but she'd really grown attached to them. The castle's library was fairly large but not as impressive and cultured as the Aurelius library was. She found herself comparing the palace library to the one they stood in currently. The castle's collection and library appeared to pale in comparison. The Irish woman wished she could work in the Library she was currently standing, and she'd be completely willing to do so. Quit her job at the palace and start work here, caring for the books and being able to study them. A quick look at the mans who's hand she was holding reminded her of another advantage to working there.

Balian had offered to talk to Augustus about so much, of letting her come more often to study there, to watch them train, to ask about letting nobles and the like attend and learn their art of wrestling. Now he was offering to as if she could stay for a while, a night or so to study in the spending library. "Staying here, even for a night or two, would be splendid. Studying and getting to watch you train and talk to you more. It would be more then I could ever ask for!" She gave him a pleasant smile, her grip on his hand tightening ever so slightly. Branowen's voice portrayed her glee, along with the large smile that extended from her cheeks to the ever brightening spark in her eyes. Her gaze flickered momentarily to Balian when he fell silent, where as she gave him a quick and bright smile.

The kiss had been an impulse for Branowen. She had wanted to express her feelings for Balian and she would have done so a little late, but it seemed like it was a good moment. Though after the act she had become so embarrassed, it had been terribly forward of her and what if Balian wasn't interested in her back? Scuttling of she hadn't really expected him to come after her. It wasn't until she was part way down the next aisle that he caught her though and it was much to her surprise.

Branowen felt a hand take her own, the fingers warm and inviting against her skin. The women felt Balian pull her close in the aisle. He placed a hand on her cheek and she placed her hand over his softly. When Balian breathed out she could feel his warm as it caressed her face, along with the heat of his breath she could feel the heat radiating from his skin, and she was tempted just to fall into his arms right then. His warmth was comforting and it paused her initial instinct to flee. She feared he may not feel the same what that she did, feared that he would reject her despite his current actions speaking differently. She went to say something, she tired to but no words would escape her lips. Her attention was trapped by the grapplers blue eyes as she tried to think of something to say but found her mind blank.

Then, after what seemed like an impossible moment, Balian's lips were brushing hers. At first she was frozen with shock but it was only for a second before she let herself relax and move her lips with his. Branowen found her eyes fluttering closed all attempts at thinking up something to say lost in the kiss.

The kiss lasted for a while before Branowen pulled back with her cheeks turning several shades of red. Her grip on Balian's hand tightened slightly, trying to reassure herself when she spoke. "Balian… I really, really like you. So much so that butterflies dance in my stomach and my heart skips a beat when I look at you. She paused with a smile before laughing a little at herself. "And.. ah, yes… Her cheeks reddened even more, she wasn't usually so bad at coming up with things to say.

It was just that the kiss had left her at a loss for words, her mind knew what it wanted to say but what came out her mouth was the raw addition. The version that couldn't hold all of the emotions that Balian gave Branowen. Even though she'd only known him for a little while the feeling she had for him had grown, frankly she though she should be worried about how fast she was getting attached to the Tiberian man but one look at him and that was completely forgotten.

○wordcount-eight hundred thirty - ○tag-Balian Aurelius-○notes –totally still having fun, my muse has just been coming and going at random recently. I won't be able to get onto a computer on Saturday so take your time!– ○credit – branowen of legends of pendragon! –

[Balian of Tiberium]

The moment Branowen's lips moved against his own, Balian felt his flesh warm and a shudder shoot throughout him. Yet, their mouths parted and he stood there breathing heavily. It was passing strange to take what he wanted. Truth be told, Branowen had evoked that from him. The way she spoke of the world and her hunger for knowledge made Balian want for more other than the walls of the domus and sun warmed sand beneath his feet. He longed for more than the companionship of his comrades and Augustus Aurelius. He wanted somewhat from within Camelot proper. He wanted a bit of Camelot...He wanted his bit of the world within his hands.

Then Branowen drew away.

Her hand tightened upon his own and Balian could only watch her through half-lidded eyes. She spoke, too, but the words barely touched him. They were there, yes, and he heard them, but Balian was so taken by the moment that his tongue felt like leather and the whole of the world seemed to move slowly. Then there was her admittance and Balian longed to set his hard hand flat upon her stomach. He wanted to feel the trembling and fluttering within her stomach. He wanted to feel her nerves and the swell of her feelings.

He wanted to feel her.

He met her gaze evenly then and he sighed heavily. Balian even smiled. At least a little. The corners of his mouth upturned and his parted only for his teeth to set down upon his lower lip. He stifled his smile and his tongue lest he utter something that sound rather foolish. She spoke and all Balian could do was stand there like a fool and watch her with his hand upon her own and their bodies drawn so closely that he could feel the heat off of her.

"Branowen," Balian uttered suddenly and he smiled.

"I have never quite seen a woman like you or even met one like you," Balian admitted. "You're so very different," Balian added before he lifted a hand to brush fingers through her hair. He stood there and continued to watch her with the genuine curiosity of a lover. He looked almost puzzled though. Yet, who could blame Balian who had hardly any contact with women and those that he had had been extremely different from the young woman before him now.

"I want you to come back again..." Balian admitted.

"I want to take something for myself...for once," he breathed out.

It seemed that for the first time within his life, Balian wasn't afraid to take what he wanted. What he longed for...It wasn't only Branowen, but a life beyond the walls. When he had been told that they would be leaving for another nation, Balian had thought of an adventure. That he would be able to see another land with treasures, beauties and thensome, and a magnificent culture. He longed to be apart of that and be a freeman; after all, Balian had been at the threshold of his freedom. He had been only one step away and now...now Balian felt as if all of that had been taken from him by the one he loved as he would a father.

Augustus Aurelius.

He had shouldered his disappointment though and had taken apart of the construction of the domus alongside his comrades. He had worked underneath the sun without shame or fear. He worked without concern for himself or others, and settled with the fact that he wouldn't have what he longed for, and truth be told, Balian was alright with that. He was fine with such a thing...until the moment he saw her.

Branowen.

She changed everything for him.

[Rather short this time, sorry!]

[Branowen O'Floinn]

Her confession had been a spur of the moment thing. Sure, she usually happily proclaimed her emotions (though that was usually just to exclaim how happy or excited she was) but she'd never exclaimed feelings of love. Not that she could say she'd ever really felt love for someone outside of her immediate family. The man in front of her was invoking strong emotions inside her, just a glance at him and she was giddy. Branowen hung on every word that left Balian's lips and savoured the feel of his skin against her own. She was purely entranced by the man and she could not do anything to stop it.

The Irish woman didn't know how it had happened. One moment she had been introducing herself to two grapplers hoping to further her knowledge and now, only a little while later she had confessed her feelings. It was almost unreal; it felt like some late night dream that she was going to wake up from any moment now and she didn't want that to happen. If this is a dream, Branowen thought, then I don't ever want to wake up.

The foreign man's eyes met her own. She was lost in his gaze again, drowning in those ocean blue eyes. Her eyes trailed down his face to his upturned lips. That smile was infectious; everything that this man did was enchanting. One small smile from him and unconsciously Branowen's lips changed from a nervous grin to a pleasant smile.

When Balian uttered her name Branowen felt a pleasant shiver run up her spine. It should be a crime to have this effect on someone, she thought to herself though the foggy haze that lay in her mind. Balian spoke and raised his hand running his fingers though her vibrant hair. Branowen leaned into his touch.

"It's the hair isn't it?" She joked, "it's always the hair." The Irish woman gave a playful shrug. Her hair was a feature that got her the most attention in Camelot. In Ireland it wasn't that shocking or attention grabbing because there had been a few other people with such a vibrant colour. Here in Camelot though it appeared to be a commodity and a spectacle to behold. Even after a good number of years she was still stared at when she went shopping.

Balian spoke again of wanting her to return and her smile softened. "You couldn't keep me away even if you beat me with a stick. I have to say that this place is quickly working its way into my heart. I envy Sir Augustus greatly."Her gaze flickered from Balian to the library back it meet Balian's eyes. It wasn't just the books or the library. Augustus Aurelius had Balian near him; constantly she guessed seeing as Balian was training under him. She could only imagine what it would be like to be near Balian for infinite stretches of time. The thought brought pleasant goose bumps to her skin.

]If you want to take something for yourself you should! There was a pause as she realized how that sounded and hurriedly added on: That does not mean that I am condoning stealing or the like! Stealing is bad, and people get in a lot of trouble doing it. So if it involves stealing … just… do not steal? Giving a confused laugh she scratched her head having confused herself with her own words. It was a funny thing Branowen's mind, working so hard that it occasionally tripped over itself.

It was inessential to say that Branowen was blind of the effect she had on Balian. That she had changed his way of thinking and made him long for freedom he had been taken from. Though he may also have been unknowing of the effect he had on her. She was completely spell bound with him, the rest of the world around them entirely forgotten. She'd never felt this way before, her emotions running rampant in her body. How someone had come to have this much of an effect on her was anyone's guess.

○wordcount-six hundred eighty one - ○tag-Balian Aurelius-○notes –Sorry it took me so long to reply and don't worry mine's no better. Should we start wrapping up this thread? Then start a new one somewhere else maybe?– ○credit – branowen of legends of pendragon! –

[Balian of Tiberium]

Balian certainly had to agree with her. Yes, Branowen's hair was attractive and how soft her tresses felt against his hand...ah! They nigh caught upon his calloused fingers and palm, and Balian savored the feel. Yet, there was much more to Branowen, and Balian was eager to admit such to her without even a hitch or moment to utter the compliment with more eloquence than norm. Instead, Balian let loose his tongue, and the words spilled out between them.

"It's your eyes," he told her simply.

That was the truth and Balian told her that without fear. Her eyes alone spoke volumes of the person she truly was. They spoke of a woman who was genuine and kind. They spoke of a woman who was hungry for knowledge and all the little things one hears of as a child for even Balian had heard tales from the other men. Tales of valor, maidens and monsters.

Then she spoke once more and Balian smiled to himself.

Balian was more than pleased that she would return. The fact that she wouldn't disappear...ah! It meant much to Balian and he knew that he'd ask Augustus for more. That there had to be more to this life of his than simply being a slave. He wanted to be a proper freeman and Balian wanted a chance to have more. That more being Branowen albeit that made him sound rather greedy. Yet, who could blame him...?

"You will not feel envious any longer after I speak with Augustus!" Balian assured her.

He wanted to speak to the man already. Yet, mayhap once he did, Augustus will send a letter to Branowen's household to allow her time within the domus library. That, and mayhap allow her family over for dinner to speak over the possibility of teaching them their grappling art. It would be something that could keep their history alive and instill the teachings within another people. One could never know what such a thing could change with time, and Balian surmised that Augustus would take to that eagerly.

When she spoke of stealing though...Balian laughed. He laughed hard, too, and had to shake his head and even gnaw upon his lower lip to stifle himself. "Ah," Balian had begun, "no, Branowen. I am not stealing nor wishing to truly steal, but..." Balian trailed. "I wish to take something from another...well, somewhat..." Balian trailed and shook his head. "It's hard to explain in your common tongue." He uttered and lifted his fingers her hair only to touch her face.

"Branowen..." He trailed then and smiled. Balian leaned down then to steal another kiss from her. It was tender and soft. It was warm and full of eagerness. Yet, there was a voice...Demetrios. His voice filling the halls and ringing down into the library as he called for Balian without shame. Balian drew back then and frowned at the sound as he lolled his head to see Demetrios stepping within the library half-naked and looking shocked at what he had found. Yet, he grinned thereafter and looked like he had found the two coupling. Fortunately they weren't but seeing them so close was enough!

"The young woman's brother has been looking for her," Demetrios stated suddenly.

"Is that so?" Balian asked and pursed his mouth.

"Aye, near-brother. Come now before you find yourself challenged to a fight!" He stated. "Then again, I'd certainly love to see that!" Demetrios admitted. Balian smiled somewhat and offered his arm to Branowen simultaneously. "You should watch your tongue, Demetrios, and be kind around Branowen." Balian murmured. Demetrios, though, looked amused. "I'm certain you were kind enough for the both of us, Balian." He said hastily.

Despite that, Demetrios stepped away suddenly and with a quickened pace as Balian led Branowen after him. He licked his lower lip and looked ahead as he led her. He took her along the same path they had taken to the library in the first place. He spoke, though, as he did so.

"I will speak with Augustus and he will send a letter to your household." Balian told her suddenly. "When he does you will be able to come and go as you please, I am certain. When you are allowed...I will like to help you...with anything you wish. If you would have me." He'd said and looked down to her as he did so.

[Definitely! Next thread could probably be her receiving a letter that allows her to come to the domus. Permission to use the library as she wishes and all.]

[Branowen O'Floinn]

Never did Branowen think that her eyes would be something unique about her, but even so when he told her that she couldn't help but blush. She enjoyed the simplicity of his compliment. She enjoyed the smile things over the long. His simple compliment touched her heart and she gave a soft smile leaning up to give the tall man a quick kiss.

Her library envy was calmed when Balian spoke again. She was glad that she had met Balian, for a number of reasons one of them being that she got the chance to see more of the beautiful domus. She could not believe how kind he was to her offering to speak to the houses owner about letting her return, spend time in the library and study them. It made her heart swell with an ocean of emotion. Her smile always seemed to grow whenever he spoke. She was blind to this though, it was a reflex and one she couldn't control.

Balian's laugh was infectious and Branowen found a stream of giggles falling from her lips. She was happy that she had gotten him to laugh. Pleased that he wasn't going to steal anything she shrugged on his comment about explaining it to her. "Maybe next time we meet you could teach me a few words in your common tongue?" As she spoke she leaned into his touch much like she had before, enjoying the feeling of his skin against her own and the warmth of his body.

Balian spoke her name bringing her full attention to him. The tall grappler leaned down to steal a kiss that Branowen was happy to give him. It was a warm and gentle kiss and even though it only lasted a few moments Branowen found herself leaning into him. Her hand came to rest on his chest and even after they parted at a voice calling Balian it stayed in its place. Her gaze wondering to the door that Demetrios was walking through. The very tall grappler looked somewhat shocked by what he found in the Library. A red tint lit the Irish woman's cheeks and she moved closer to Balian. Soon thereafter Demetrios face lit up with a grin and Branowen couldn't help but puff out her cheeks and pout at the very tall man. Demetrios had this air about him that although friendly, made Branowen feel like she'd been doing something wrong. Which she was certain she hadn't been.

At the mention of her brother Branowen sighed. Conall really did have the worst timing didn't he? She listened to the two men talk before the mention of her brother possibly challenging Balian came into the conversation. Giggling a little she waved her hand dismissively shaking her head she joined the conversation saying: "I would not worry if I were you. Conall is more of a lover than a fighter. When it comes to battle he is fairly pathetic." Which was a completely true comment about her twin, he could charm women but if it came to fighting someone he was a major pansy. It was also one of the reasons he would be eager to train under Augustus Aurelius if it were possible. Conall found it demeaning to always have his brothers covering his back when he got into a fight. Their elder siblings were always teasing him about fights that he'd gotten into.

The vibrant red haired woman eagerly stepped closer to the smaller of the grapplers and wrapped her arm around his own when he offered it. Shifting the book that was under her other arm before it slipped and fell to the floor; she listened once more to the two talked amongst themselves. When they paused she spoke up only to add, "It is perfectly fine, Balian. I have ten brothers. I'm used to all sorts of talk and actions." With such a large family of males it shouldn't have been to hard to believe that she has most likely heard worse then what anyone

Branowen followed beside Balian as they walked though the halls her eyes wondering the halls before straying back to the man at her side. His gaze turned down to her and he spoke. The thought of being able to come and go as she liked pleased her. It would mean she'd be able to see Balian, the beautiful house and the books much more often. Smiling up at him palace librarian spoke with a soft voice. I would be very happy to have you.

Finding their way to the entrance hall where her twin and Augustus Aurelius were finishing their conversation and waiting for Conall's twin. Her brother had already slipped on his green cloak and was waiting with Branowen's matching one over his arm. The redheaded male smiled to his sister before making a hurrying motion and saying something to her in Gaelic from across the entrance. Branowen rolled her eyes responding with a pout.

She turned her attention back to he grappler and leaned up kissing him softly on the lips. With a smile she gave him a quick hug before trotting across the hall toward her brother who gave her a suspicious look. She bowed respectfully to Augustus Aurelius nodding her head before being ushered out the door. She paused at the thresh hold to look smile back at Balian and wave. I hope to see you again very soon, Balian! Her brother slipped her cloak over her shoulders giving a nod of his head to the owner of the domus. Once all was done he tugged his twin out the door and toward her house where he had decided to stay for the night.

Branowen was sad to leave the house but she was eager to think of when she could next return. She was engrossed in her thoughts of her time spent there, the two grapplers that she'd met and her interactions with the one in particular the walk to her house seemed to pass by so quickly and she didn't notice her brother talking endlessly into her ear the entire walk.

○wordcount-one thousand seventeen - ○tag-Balian Aurelius-○notes –I suck at thread endings… I'll start the next thread in a few hours. And sorry it took me a little while to post. I was working on signatures and trinkets profile. - ○credit – branowen of legends of pendragon! –

[Balian of Tiberium]

"He's a lovely lad albeit a bit soft," Augustus uttered as he watched both Branowen and Conall saunter off. Both Demetrios and Balian drew up behind their owner. "He seems rather genuinely attracted to the domus and our history as well," Augustus added. Balian took advantage and spoke then and there. "So did the woman...Branowen," Balian told Augustus who turned to him with clear surprise within his eyes. That, and even a hint of amusement.

"She's a lovely woman albeit a bit soft," Demetrios said rather...well, playfully. In fact, his face with split with a wide and toothy grin. Balian stood his ground though and didn't allow Demetrios the satisfaction of watching him tremble at the thought of Branowen. Nonetheless, Augustus continued to watch them both and even shook his head before long.

"Is that so, Balian? Ah, men have their needs, I'd say. I suppose there's a lot I should tell you though...things that I intend to do," Augustus stated and stepped between them and brushed past. Both Demetrios and Balian looked to eachother before following hastily after him.

"What's that...?" Balian asked of him.

"I was considering some freedoms," Augustus stated.

There was silence between Demetrios and Balian then.

"Mayhap you'd even have a chance at that Branowen O'Floinn that way, but...of course there will be rules to follow. I don't want any of you wandering about and growing wild," he stated before looking to the both of them. They stopped. All of them. They looked to one and to the other. "You were close to earning your freedom back in Tiberium anyway. The both of you," he stated and watched Balian specifically. "Yet, you seem to have something in mind...ah, what's that?"

"Augustus..." Balian trailed and felt his heart hammer on.

"Branowen..." He trailed but Demetrios gathered up for Balian hastily.

"She wanted to see more of the library and Balian," he said and grinned.

"How'd --" Balian was cut off by Demetrios. "I could see it in her eyes!"

"I'll send her family a letter then...mayhap dinner. Now, go and entertain my guests!"

So they did.

[Decided to tie off as well, just enough for the next thread. I love writing with you! Also, your Trinket character looks great, I can't wait to see her in action.]