Nature Divided (OPEN)

[Eili­s of the Forest]

The forest pool was cool and soothing as it surrounded her. The summer days were only just beginning to swell with the heat they promised for the coming months, but she felt the warm touch of the sun a little too keenly after such a bad winter and mild spring. As she bathed, Eilís could feel her cares melting away, becoming little more than ripples in the surface of the clear water that held her as tenderly as a mother cradles a newborn babe. She felt so at home here amongst nature, living in harmony with her environment instead of hacking and burning it as other humans were like to do.

Her dark hair seemed quite black in the light of the sunset that filtered through the branches overhead, not quite meeting atop the clearing where the pool was situated. Floating on her back with her arms on either side of her Eilís imagined that she was flying through the sky. She's heard a long time ago that people with powerful magic were able to do just that! How she longed for such a thing, even if the thought of being so very strong with her talents did frighten her a little bit.

A sudden feeling that she was not alone startled her from her daydreams and she turned upright in the water with a brisk splash. The fact that she wasn't clothed was incentive enough to remain shrouded in the dim green depths of the water, and as her artic gaze travelled the shoreline of the pool she knew for certain that she was being watched. Narrowing her gaze and sinking a little deeper into the pool so that her hair clung to the tops of her shoulders and nothing more revealing, Eilís felt annoyed at having been interrupted during one of her favourite pastimes.

“I know you're there,” she called in a steady voice. Her bow lay impotent with her clothes behind a bush on the far side of the pool, and she hoped that whoever was watching her hadn't found them or she might find herself in real trouble.

[Hyacinthe mab Necthana]

She's mothernaked.

It's no right for you to watch her.

I already am.

Cillian seemed so certain of himself within that moment. That, and held no little shame when he had come across the scent of a human. The wolf blended well amongst the brush and brambles, and had watched the woman from afar. Normally Cillian would care very little for others, but there was simply something about her that made the wolf question her.

The fact that she was so far from civilization for one was what weighed upon Cillian's mind. That, and settled upon Hyacinthe's in turn. There weren't many who lingered far from a hamlet or city. That, or even far from Camelot proper. Yes, there were the gypsies that tended to flock to here or there, but never one who would have very little shame out within the wild. Truth be told, Hyacinthe longed to see for himself and especially more so after having been so far from Camelot for far too long.

The ache for contact burned within him.

Oh, the clever human has found me!

Mind her, Cillian.

The wolf struck out from the brush without worry though. He was fast and lean, and had the strength to explode out from sight when needed. He had no worry for a manmade weapon. That, or even magic. Then again, Cillian's ego was what made him think all of that. Nonetheless, within moments Cillian approached the shore of the forest pool and stood there upon all fours with his strong neck arched and head tossed up. That bistre coat caught the sunlight that dappled down through the forest canopy and his equally dark eyes settled upon her.

Here I am. The wolf presented himself.

I'm almost there, Cillian.

Almost there.

Cillian laughed within Hyacinthe's mind.

[/right]

Then the wolf strode forth with little shame and approached the pool. He lifted one paw and struck down onto the eb and flow of the water, and even cocked his head at her. There was no doubt that the wolf was unafraid. That, and far different from any other feral creature that may have bared their teeth and struck out without a hitch. Instead, Cillian watched her and lowered himself onto his stomach with forepaws stretched out before him. He looked...well, amused.

At least until the moment the brush behind him trembled.

It was man astride a horse that was mostly white, but generously speckle with reddish spots, the color of old blood. That, and striped hooves that thumped and rang out upon the trampled earth. He was long-legged and had powerful legs that rippled whilst carrying his master, and laden panniers, too. His strong neck arched then as they rode forth through the brush. That particolored mane breaking like a wave over his spotted hide. Then there was the man astride.

His ebon tresses were damp with sweat and swayed about his face within a myriad of braids, and even some pushed behind one ear to bare the gleam of a blue gem within a silver stud. He looked rather unkempt and dirty. In fact, there was dirt beneath his nails and he smelled of the forest. That, and he was slick with sweat from a long ride that made the fine white cambric of his shirt stick to the line of his back. The collar, though, was undone to bare his throat and the hair upon his chest, and his strong legs were adorned with trousers made of soft fawnskin that fit like a glove. His riding leathers as a whole, and his boots, were worn beyond a doubt.

He lingered there for the moment looking very like a man from a bard's tale.

He stared at her across the way.

She's lovely.

Cillian mused.

"My lady...!" Hyacinthe called out.

Truth be told, Hyacinthe wasn't certain what to say.[/blockquote]

[Eili­s of the Forest]

Eilís had been so intent on enjoying her afternoon that she hadn't noticed the sensation of the wolf in the vicinity until he presented himself at the edge of the pool. Upon seeing the creature she relaxed noticeably, confident that she had nothing to fear from him. His antics brought a playful smile to her lips and she watched him with interest as she trod water to stay afloat. For an ordinary human such behaviour in an animal so majestic and feared in general might have been cause for concern. Another few moments might have seen her bold enough to come ashore and pet him before struggling into her tunic but Fate, it would seem, was on her side.

A noise behind the wolf alerted her to the fact that perhaps her first assumption had been right all along. Catching a glimpse of a large white equine, Eilís fancied for a moment that perhaps it was a unicorn coming to drink his fill before settling for the night. They were not unheard of after all, especially not this deep into the forest where the likelihood of them being bothered by humans was minimal. Then... it wouldn't have been a natural thing for a wolf and a unicorn to travel together. When the strange-seeming rider came into sight, however, the young Druidess had to wonder if it wasn't a little unusual for a wolf to travel with a human either.

A quick scan with her magical ability told her that the wolf's mind was closed to her. In and of itself, that one fact was enough to set her on edge. Her eyes were mere slits as she studied him carefully, attempting to evaluate how much stronger than her he would be. The answer was, of course, much stronger and she immediately gave up any idea of defending herself should she need to. There were better ways to escape the clutches of people she didn't wish to be detained by! His attempt to draw her into conversation faded out across the pool and she wondered why on earth he was addressing her at all. But it didn't take long for Eilís to remember that men were men, and she was naked.

She arched a dark brow in his direction, content in the fact that â€" for not at least â€" her hair and the water were allowing her to keep her often questionable modesty. The sun was retreating back to its cloudy boudoir, leaving behind it a trail of fluffy breadcrumbs for the fireflies to follow. Eilís could still see clearly enough, though, and she was certain that a man such as this would have eyes like a hawk. His face was open and honest, and he wore upon him the clear mark of a soldier, if not a knight. Seeing as her dealings with either were limited at best, Eilís wasn't particularly in the best position to start labelling.

Alas, she couldn't simply bob there in the water and prune while merely waiting for him to go away. His call required an answer, and she threw the wolf a look that clearly denoted him as a traitor to the forest and its kindred â€" namely her â€" before she lifted her chin in defiance. “Yes?” she called back, her tone lofty and not at all embarrassed at having been caught in such a manner. She was, after all, a nature-lover and what was more natural than her skin? A wickedness took hold of her personality then, and she let her lips dip beneath the water to conceal her smirk.

[Hyacinthe mab Necthana]

I think she may be upset.

Cillian felt wounded to Hyacinthe then and there. As for the reason...well, Cillian told Hyacinthe nothing but the way the wolf continued to stare at the woman spoke volumes. That, and no matter how well Cillian had learned to mask certain things within him, Hyacinthe could still read the wolf like the lines upon his own hand. It somewhat concerned him. Then within moments Cillian whimpered at the woman and hid his face within his forepaws.

It was something he had never done before.

At least not to anyone other than Hyacinthe.

Hyacinthe's mount stamped his hooves then but soon was checked with ease. He lolled his head and looked back to the woman within the forest pool. She looked like a nymph then and there. Absolutely beautiful and every bit of her that showed made him quiver and ache. He wanted to reach out and touch her. He wanted to know whether or not she was real. The bestial part of him longed for a woman and the other half longed for any semblance of contact.

He pressed upon her with his mind then and he could feel her.

She was real.

She was as real as the scent of the forest around him and as real as the wind that stirred and plucked at his clothing. She was as real as the water that caressed the shore and hid her mothernaked body. She was as real as his own flesh and the excitement that thrummed within him as the minutes, hours, days and months were tallied within his mind.

The time spent away from Camelot as a proper scout marking the terrain.

Then he had to force himself to look away from. Despite the fact that every part of him screamed at him to look. He gripped the reins so hard that his knuckles were nearly white then as his chin brushed upon his chest. He looked down at his own hands. Then he found his tongue that felt like leather within his tongue and idly Hyacinthe wondered whether or not he was under some spell. Yet, Hyacinthe knew that he wasn't.

You should speak.

Cillian suggested.

I know...!

Hyacinthe managed to will himself to calm and find himself. He mastered himself with ease afterward and took a deep breath. "My lady..." He began once more and trailed off. "My apologies for frightening you!" He called over to her. "It's been quite some time since I've had contact with another. Months, even." Hyacinthe paused. "Cillian here..." He trailed. "Well, he had come across your scent when we had been looking for fresh water."

Yes, blame me.

I'm not blaming you.

You're a terrible liar.

Hyacinthe looked down to Cillian who lifted his head from his paws and stared back evenly. Then within moments the wolf came to his fours and drew closer to the water before beginning to round the pool at a leisurely pace. Hyacinthe watched him and struggled with not trying to look at the woman. Then Hyacinthe had taken a deep breath once more and dared to look upward and toward her.

Hyacinthe truly had a hawk's eye. That blue gaze of his settled evenly upon her own and no where else even from afar. Although that's not to say that Hyacinthe didn't wish to look elsewhere; after all, to come across a woman who was carefree within nature...ah!

"I am Hyacinthe," he told her suddenly.

"If I may I'd like to make camp here, too, and speak. It's been a long time..." He trailed and smiled. "If I have your consent."

Then Hyacinthe bowed deeply from the saddle.

[Eili­s of the Forest]

She had nothing to fear from the wolf, of that she was certain. He went on about his business, or so it seemed, with little else to worry her on that front. Eliís wasn't used to not being able to communicate with animals, but the more she watched the odd couple the more she realised that they were bound in some manner. No wolf followed a human as meekly as a lamb, and no human stood without fear before such a renowned forest scavenger. Her shrewd eyes remained trained on the man, convinced that he was the one that she needed to be wary of.

He did nothing to ease her suspicions when he apologised for startling her. When he parents had been alive they had all dared a trip to the village of Avalon once, and only once. That singular occasion stuck out in her mind lie a signpost to human cruelty. Sometimes when she was alone she still cringed to think about how her group had been treated. As both Druids and nomads they were shunned by all walks of life. Even the peasants of the village had looked down upon them, many of whom were worse off than the group was themselves.

The soldier's words and address both had an air of honesty about them that made her begin to soften towards him a very little. He gave an appearance of decency at least, and for that she was thankful. Though she wasn't going to trust him with so much as a pebble from her forest, there was no need to be blatantly rude, was there? Then again, his eyes were trained on her as intently as if she were a plump roasted goose and he hadn't eaten for months. She certainly wasn't going to tell him her name, though she didn't know that there was any harm in the both of them keeping company for the time being. Eavesdropping on people passing through the forest and playing tricks on wayward traveller's aside, Eliís wasn't exactly well socialised.

“I believe the forest belongs to Uther Pendragon,” she told him tartly, her voice tainted with unmistakable hatred as she spoke the name of the man who was responsible for the deaths of those she had loved best in this world. “And seeing as he isn't here to ask personally, I don't see that there would be any harm in you making your encampment here.” With a quick succession of powerful arm strokes, Eliís moved towards the far side of the pond where her belongings were concealed.

“Unless your intentions are underhanded, I would ask that you turn your horse until I'm clothed,” she added, remnants of her previous smirk loitering in the corners of her mouth. “The water's lovely but hardly practical in order for a serious conversation to take place, wouldn't you think, Sir Hyacinth?” As she moved towards her destination, Eliís let her eyes move to follow the now wandering wolf. Experimentally, she threw her mind out to the animal, wondering whether she would be able to get an answer back.

'How is it that you came to trust this human, friend?' she enquired politely of the canine with a minuscule tilting of her head.

[Hyacinthe mab Necthana]

The way she spoke of Uther Pendragon made him question her standing with the royalty of Camelot. That's not to say that Hyacinthe expected everyone to be fond of them. In fact, Hyacinthe was aware of how status, station and politics could change the way one looks at another. That, and one's blood, too; after all, Hyacinthe had been considered anathema by the gypsy people for being half-blooded and looked upon oddly by the citizens of Camelot as well.

Nonetheless, Hyacinthe wasn't about to make any attempt at defending Uther Pendragon. He was simply pleased with the fact that there was someone to speak with. That, and now Hyacinthe had that semblance of contact that he had been craving. Then the fact that she was an attractive woman at that. Hyacinthe found himself staring after her as she had begun to swim off and away. Idly Hyacinthe wondered of the muscles that rippled beneath her bare flesh and he wondered how they would feel underneath his hard hand.

He forced the thought free of his mind.

Too much thought. Just take.

It's not so simple, Cillian.

Humans. You must live in the now...!

Despite what Cillian may think, Hyacinthe wasn't about to force himself on a woman. That, and then there's the fact that they they were different from wolves, or so Hyacinthe liked to think. Nonetheless, despite what Hyacinthe had told Cillian, Hyacinthe still looked after her with a part of him that hoped to see a bit more of her naked flesh. In fact, Hyacinthe even thumped his heels solidly upon the Bastard's flanks and the horse tossed his head before he carried Hyacinthe forth in Cillian's wake albeit slower.

"I assure you that I mean no harm, my lady. Although I wonder whether or not I should be concerned of you!" Hyacinthe admitted and hoped to bring a semblance of light to their chance meeting. Then her query and Hyacinthe found himself smiling. In fact, his teeth had to bear down upon the lower tier of his mouth to stifle such. "I agree." He uttered before reluctantly looking away and tugging upon the reins to turn his mount around.

He offered the woman his back but tossed a query at her.

"Will you give me your name, my lady?" He questioned.

Yet, at that very moment, Hyacinthe felt Cillian's presence leave his own. It was there still, yes, but not as enclosed as before. It was open from the otherside and had admitted another. Except Hyacinthe could hear the other. It bothered him as he sought to press his mind upon Cillian's but the wolf shrugged him off like a harmful tick. It left Hyacinthe feeling somewhat grated to say the very least.

He saved me once upon a time ago. Cillian confessed to the woman as he had quickened his pace. It hadn't been long until he was within distance of her. Yet, there was no shame between animal and human then and there. In fact, Cillian approached her eagerly and continued to watch her with nearly as equal curiosity.

I was a cub then. Imprisoned by a horrid man. He saved me though. Cillian uttered and lolled his head to peer across the way toward his companion. The human was not his master but apart of him. If not for him then that cub once upon a time ago would have been dead or still abused and used for other cruel events. Now I am here because of him. Clean of fleas and other nuisances, and stronger than ever. Cillian stated and bounded to and fro upon his fours. His maw fell open to allow his tongue to loll out.

You could trust him. Cillian told her suddenly though and seemed to become calmed. He's different from the others. He listens to the likes of us. He listens to the ones no one wishes to listen to. Cillian added and drew close enough to scent her ankles only to loll his head and stare up at her.

You could trust us.

[Eili­s of the Forest]

Eilís was by no means stupid, even though she was wholly uneducated in the ways of normal folk. She knew that this man Hyacinth was a soldier in the King's employ at least â€" he hadn't corrected her when she had addressed him as 'Sir - and therefore he must have some semblance of loyalty for the reign of the Pendragons. The fact that magic was now more widely accepted through the kingdom was a good thing in principle, for it meant that she would no longer be hunted as her family and kindred had been. Vengeance, however, runs deep and if allowed to fester for too long consumes all ability to think with a rational mind. She hated Uther Pendragon with the passionate heart that had loved those he'd killed. And one day, the relic King of Camelot would get his comeuppance.

She wasn't so deluded by her own abilities to think that she would have a hand in Uther's demise. Eilís was a mere girl, and though she had her own particular brand of cleverness and a small amount of magical power she was no match for a King with men like this one before her in his company. But factions were stirring. Whispers had reached her ears, unwitting travellers through this forest had given her all the information she needed and as long as she could rely on these subconscious informants then she would sit, and she would wait for the day when Uther Pendragon was no more.

These thoughts were blurred when the wolf's voice came to her. His tale was one that tugged at her heartstrings, for cruelty of any kind was an abhorrence to Eilís. She refrained from imagining what might have happened to the poor creature, and she allowed him to see her compassion through her discreet body language. For the time being she let the wolf's statement regarding trust slide by. The canine she trusted already. It was her way, after all, to be at one with nature and never had she yet come across a creature that she didn't feel an inherent love for. The man was another thing entirely. She hoped the wolf understood.

Men came into Balor with their axes and their swords, their fires unchecked and their arrogance rampant. She herself had nursed dying trees, hacked to within an inch of their lives for some purpose or another when they had already so kindly shed their dead limbs for men to use as they would. She had used her powers to quench the thirst of fire after fire, forgotten by the men who left their camps in the morning without a care if the whole forest went up in smoke. No. Unfortunately for Eilís, men she simply could not trust. She could tease them, trick them, kill them or even converse with them. But trust itself was entirely out of the question.

It was now, as she ascended the steep slope that had granted her access to the water and snatched up her clothes that she decided to get a better look at this man. His shoulders were broadened and muscular beneath his armour, and he was covered in filth and grime from head to toe. This was not particularly bothersome for Eilís; the only reason she was clean herself was because she had been bathing when he had happened upon her. Shimmying into her dry clothes when her skin was slick with water was not an easy feat, but she managed it in record time with no care for what her friend the wolf saw at all. She supposed the man was handsome, in his way, and she might have felt flattered at his calling her a lady if she didn't think man as a race was unwholesome in general.

When she was clad once again in her airy short summer tunic with her quiver in place in case she had sudden need to use them, Eilís quickly wrung out her dripping hair. Bits of leaves and twigs were ensnared her in her own dark locks, but she had little cause to have a care for such trivial things. Slinging her bow over her shoulder the girl took swift steps to jump onto a rock that overlooked the pool. Leaping into the air she was lifted by an obliging tree branch and she swung up onto the safety of the bough where she crouched, feet keeping a steady grip as she got an even better look at her entertainment.

“Deidra,” she lied easily from her elevated position, the old nomadic name coming easily to her lips. “You may turn around now.”

[Hyacinthe mab Necthana]

Still Cillian continued to brush Hyacinthe off with utter ease. Idly Hyacinthe had begun to wonder whether or not the two were connected somehow. Whether or not the woman had the Wit like himself. If she could feel the presence of man and animal both. Whether or not she had a bond with a creature nearby or not. Whatever the case may be, Hyacinthe found himself rather bothered by the fact that Cillian so openly dismissed him to press minds with another. Especially with a stranger at that. Nonetheless, Hyacinthe did what he could only do and that was to wait and listen, and pray that she wouldn't plant anything into his back.

All the while Cillian watched the bare woman without shame; after all, he was only but a wolf. He meant her no harm and cared little for her naked skin. Although Cillian was certain that Hyacinthe would be rather interested. That, though, was a different thing altogether and will not happen whilst she knew Hyacinthe was about. So, Cillian watched her as she dressed and with a genuine curiosity at that. After all, she was unlike any human woman he had known.

Yes, the gypsy people were rather eccentric and ventured to and fro, but they were unlike this one woman. She bathed without worry of nature and had the ability to press her mind to his own. At least to question him at the most. Truth be told, the woman didn't look like she belonged...well, that wouldn't be entirely true. She did look like she belonged. After all, the way she carried herself was magnificent and she blended so well with her surroundings that even Cillian had to question how long she had spent out here. Yet, the fact that was comely and pleasant to look at made him question whether or not she was from the average stock or from pretty nobility. It was only a thought though and one that was dismissed.

Then she moved with infinite grace as she slung her bow across her form. Then within moments was upon a rock and then lifted herself onto a branch. Cillian could follow no further as he watched after her. He was utterly impressed to say the very least.

You're very nimble! Cillian uttered and pressed his mind eagerly upon hers.

Then her name filled the air.

"Deidra," Hyacinthe murmured the name to himself and sighed.

It was a lovely name to say the very least and one that Hyacinthe found rather pleasant. The moment she told him that he could turn, though, Hyacinthe did so and lolled his head to look about only to find that she had elevated herself high above himself. It was an amusing notion but likewise one that was disheartening. It was obvious that she did not trust him or wanted to be near him. Hyacinthe couldn't exactly blame her for that though; after all, they were alone and far from any semblance of civilization. If he had been a horrid man then he could have had her.

Yet, Hyacinthe wasn't.

"Do I frighten you so?" He questioned her as he wheeled his mount about. "I assure you that you could trust me." He added but doubted that she would listen. "I've food with me as well if you'd care for some?" He asked thereafter and hoped that may sway her. Hyacinthe wasn't certain whether or not that would work. Cillian, though, seemed eager to speak with her and keep his mind far from Hyacinthe's for the moment.

I won't bite. Cillian told her playfully.

Will you use your clever fingers to scratch my ears? He asked thereafter. That, and even laid himself out upon the stone she had leapt from. He settled his head upon his forepaws and continued to watch her linger and settle there upon the branch with utter ease.

It was shocking to know a human could do such a thing!

As for Hyacinthe, though, he nudged his mount forth and around the forest pool until he had found even ground where he dismounted with ease. He looked like a man who was more accustomed to being ahorse than on his feet though with that swagger of his. That, and he went through the motions of a ritual with ease, too. His hands worked the cinches of the Bastard's panniers and within moments were set down upon the earth as he worked the girth strap of the saddle and worked the bridle off thereafter. Then there was Hyacinthe himself.

He looked soothed to have finally dismounted and found a place to rest. In fact, Hyacinthe looked worn beyond a doubt and the sheen of sweat that made his shirt cling to his flesh showed that. He sauntered toward the edge of the water whilst his hands simultaneously worked his baldric off and the belt that held his horn. Both were set down upon the earth before he fell to his knees before the water and worked his vambraces off to fold his sleeves to his biceps. His arms slipped within the water and cupped only to splash his face.

The water was more than welcome as rivulets stroked down his bare forearms, face and neck. He cupped more water then and wet his hair. His fingers stroked through his ebon tresses and lingered as he knelt there and sighed heavily. It was then that Hyacinthe leaned backward to sit upon his haunches before he looked up at her. He smiled at her.

"Will you come down, Deidra? You're making me nervous," he said.

[Eili­s of the Forest]

Eilís was pleased that the wolf was a conversationalist. She smiled down at the creature, her arctic gaze meeting his own animalistic stare, her lips turning further with amusement when he asserted that he wasn't inclined to bite her. She raised her gaze to the human man, remaining silent for the time being and ignoring his questions and chatter as she watched him go about dismounting and seeing to his horse. With a wink to the wolf she gripped the bough on either side of her small frame, popping her legs forward into the air and coming to rest with a bounce on the branch like a sparrow taking respite after a long flight.

She wasn't quite ready to descend as yet, owing to the fact that she had a better view of the man Hyacinthe from her present seat. Raising an eyebrow at his antics, Eilís couldn't help but smirk as he began to wash himself in the very pool she herself had so recently vacated. 'Curious', she said then to his wolfish companion. 'I often marvel at why men find the need to surround themselves in cloth and metal. If I were made to endure such a ritual every day as that, I should think I'd go mad'. Levelling an amused glance at the wolf, she looked at the smiling man.

He wasn't unpleasant to the eye, she decided, with his almost wild hair and unkempt appearance he could have almost been a Druid. That would have accounted for his bond with the wolf, at least, but she didn't feel the mark of their kind upon him at all. His muscular arms almost made her blush; having lived in a small group of adults and one other girl-child all her life had left little room for romantic possibilities. His questioning as to whether or not she was going to come down incited an impish grin from the girl and she swung her legs playfully as she considered his request.

“Why ever should you feel nervous?” Eilís pondered, knowing the answer full well. She had thirty or so very sharp good reasons in her quiver as to why an elevated position could grant her an advantage, but her bow held casually over one shoulder should have been comforting enough to the man. She was half tempted to loose a shaft at him in play, just to see how well trained he really was. The very thought made her smile simmer into a smirk, and she dipped her chin towards her chest to hide it.

“You don't frighten me in the least,” she finally answered him imperiously. “And I have no requirement of food. But I really do think that you ought to bathe properly, don't you? I'm sure our mutual friend would agree that you're starting to smell a bit strongly from the downwind side.” With a small shrug and an emphatic nod of her head, Eilís let go of the tree and fell backwards. She used her knees to crook around the branch, the momentum of her swing allowing her to flip and land on her feet just like her and Brione had done a thousand times before during her happier past.

Now, back on the rock that had served to launch her first aerial move, Eilís put her hands on her hips in a stance that clearly denoted that she thought Hyacinthe was depriving her of her fun. She smiled softly before bending to a knee, sitting down on the rock beside the wolf and stroking the soft fur around his ears obligingly. She continued to pet him contentedly for a few moments before meeting Hyacinthe's eyes across the pool.

'Tell me,' she asked then of her furry friend, her eyes not deviating from Hyacinthe's. 'Is Cillian your real name?'

[Hyacinthe mab Necthana]

It's for the fact that they are unlike you and I! Cillian stated as fact. I've seen far worse than what Hyacinthe wears though. In fact, I've seen women swaddled so tightly that their faces are oft as red as an apple and sweat bursts from their smoothskin! I've seen men, too, who walk around head-to-toe in steel that lumber about! Cillian added. Much like the woman, Cillian couldn't understand why anyone would wear clothing. They had hair on their bodies...well, at least men did. Shouldn't that be enough to warm them? If the women themselves wanted to be warmed then they could mate.

It made sense to him.

Then the woman had begun to speak and all Cillian could do was listen to her as much as Hyacinthe did. The wolf looked to his companion and eyed him as Hyacinthe stared up at her. Cillian understand why Hyacinthe was nervous. In fact, there were a number of reasons why. Cillian may be swift and agile enough to evade any oncoming missiles, but Hyacinthe was a larger target, and although trained, Hyacinthe was far too weary to be tumbling about to avoid arrows.

Hyacinthe smiled though and looked unafraid.

"You carry the reason," Hyacinthe spoke plainly. His gaze flitted from her own to the quiver that hung from her back there. There was no reason to lie to her. Nonetheless, Hyacinthe didn't seem to mind overly much. He hoped she wouldn't attack him and that would be enough. He'd have to trust her. After all, she trusted him thus far.

Then she admitted that she wasn't frightened. That she needed no food but that he should bathe. It seemed Cillian was eager to echo her there, but Hyacinthe didn't hear that. The thought was only for the woman. He does smell. It's why I was leading him to water in the first place. Cillian admitted with a note of amusement. Despite the fact that Hyacinthe smelled terribly of the earth though, Cillian was still fond of the man and his ability to fish and scratch behind the wolf's ears without leaving welts as Cillian's paws were wont to do.

"Is that so?" Hyacinthe questioned of her and Cillian both though. Cillian lolled his head to eye Hyacinthe within a way that spoke volumes. Yes, he did smell. For a moment Hyacinthe looked offended before sniffing himself and pulling a face. "I suppose that you're right." Hyacinthe agreed and shook his head before his hands fell to the hem of his shirt. His fingers curled within the fabric to tug such free of his trousers and soon he pulled the shirt over his head to bare his form.

Half-naked, Hyacinthe was a man that undoubtedly looked like he constantly moved. He was muscled and fit, and every muscle seemed to ripple beneath his velvet flesh that had been warmed by hard labor under the sun. Yet, Hyacinthe was not perfect. There were scars upon his body that riddled his frame from the backs of his hands, palms and forearms to his sides, abdomen, chest and back. There were marks from blades and pock marks from burns and fires. That, and even faint traces from the lashings earned from his more wild days within the royal army.

Each scar and marking was a tale to be told and spoke of a hard life.

An experienced and seasoned life.

It was then that she had swung down from her perch and onto the stone. Cillian himself looked more than pleased to have her nearby as he sidled closer to her and looked rather expectant of her. Once more he laid down and peered over the stone down to Hyacinthe. All the while Cillian savored her nimble fingers and leaned toward her touch.

It is. Cillian told her then he seemed amused. Deidra's not yours, is it?

Then Hyacinthe had stood and toed out of his boots. He had no shame then as he undid the laces of his trousers and pushed down upon the fabric to bare the length of his legs. That, and the rest of him that left very little to the imagination. He stood there before her gaze mothernaked before stepping within the water slowly and lowering himself within with a hiss of satisfaction. He looked pleasure filled then as he groaned and dunked his head underneath the surface.

Will you tell him? Cillian questioned.

[Eili­s of the Forest]

Amused to no end, Eilís contented herself with paying homage to the beautiful wolf by way of stroking and fussing him. She merely looked at the man when he spoke to her, pleased for the wolfs sake when he decided to take their wise advice and wash away the odour of his travels. She had not however, been expecting him to strip down in front of her thus and she felt her cheeks colour before she hastily downcast her eyes demurely. If the man were to look at her, he would see that she had quite suddenly found something of fascination about the flecks of his wolf-friend's fine coat.

When Cillian surprised her by realising that Deidra was not her actual name and asked her if she planned to reveal it to Hyacinthe, a small and wistful sigh escaped her. Fortunately the man was under the tepid waters of the pool and could not witness her regret. For all her love of the forest and her lifestyle therein, it did tend to get rather lonely at times. She enjoyed the games she played with people who wandered in too deep and looked forward to overhearing conversations as she lingered in treetops surrounding the Kingsway. But these things were second to having companionship in her life.

'Perhaps,' she said then to Cillian. She watched the ripples on the surface of the pool, moving and bubbling as Hyacinthe swam beneath. 'Perhaps one day. My life is one of solitude and inconstancy. I stay nowhere for long, and the forest is the only home I know. Men, you must understand, have not been kind to me,' she told Cillian with a fond scratch under his chin. With a soft smile, she deigned to let one foot dip subconsciously into the water where she swayed it back and forth, enjoying the sensation of the warm water as it caressed her skin.

Despite the odd company she was currently keeping, Eilís felt as safe as ever she did. Capable of defending herself magically if her physical means disappointed her and with conversation to occupy her mind, she thought she just might be happy enough to spend the better part of her night with the strange pair. Such ease of simply being with another was rarely hers to behold. She took the opportunity of a singular conversation to speak with Cillian further. 'Do you come this way often? Your man-friend has the mark of a seasoned warrior. I should have thought he would be better employed in the borderlands.'

[Hyacinthe mab Necthana]

It's the life that Hyacinthe lives. Cillian mused when she had mentioned her life of solitude. Yes, Hyacinthe had Cillian at his side, but there was no doubt that being so far from civilization for so very long tended to change things. He was content to have Cillian as a companion but there were things that one longed for and that was certainly the company of others like himself. Although even that tended to be a rarity within the walls of a city. After all, Hyacinthe was different from what one would consider the norm.

It may not seem it, lady of the forest, but Hyacinthe and I spend far more time within the forest than anywhere else. He told me once, too, that he had ventured through the forest oft as a cub himself. Cillian told her without a hitch or even a semblance of concern with telling her such. There were certain things that Cillian understood not to share, though, but much like Hyacinthe, Cillian was fond of company and especially one with nimble, clever fingers such as her own as she continued to scratch and bathe him with affection.

Despite all that Cillian had uttered of Hyacinthe though, he had understood her fear of man as a whole. They were a destructive force that normally had little care for what happened to others; after all, through conquest and bloodshed, one was able to take what they wanted. One was able to harness the strength of others, the land and thensome. They were a violent and crude race that arrogantly believed themselves so superior to others. Yet, Cillian pressed his mind eagerly upon her own to assure her Hyacinthe was anything but that.

That Hyacinthe different. That such a thing had surprised him as well.

Then her next query.

Cillian was thoughtful of whether or not he should share such knowledge on Hyacinthe's tasks. He didn't see much trouble there though. After all, she had been so kind thus far! So, Cillian leaned toward her further and even dared to roll over onto his back and offer his underside to her expectantly with his head lolled to offer his throat as well. Eagerly submitting to the woman's touch without fear.

Recently. Cillian told her firmly. He's been tasked with marking and mapping out the forest proper. After all, there are still many things unseen by man here. Cillian added and then seemed nearly...well, proud of Hyacinthe when she mentioned that he looked like a seasoned warrior. He's quite the warrior! That, and a hunter as well. Impressive for a human. He could snare rabbits with ease, bring down elk and even fish. Yet, he doesn't kill out of sport but for survival. Cillian told her simply. Although many of his marks were earned from highway robbers and other...unsavory men. Cillian told her therafter and fell silent.

He's a scout. Cillian told her suddenly. Told he'd be nothing more or less. He was a rebellious sort of wildling within the royal army. Yet, they cannot deny his talents! Cillian trumpetted and laughed. Now we venture where we please to assist those who need such or marking out new territory. Cillian explained and lolled his head to eye her evenly. At least until the moment the water seemed to splash and slosh as Hyacinthe came up near her dangling foot.

He breathed so deeply then and could taste her clean scent on the air. His hand lifted to the rock and the other idly brushed against her ankle. "My lady..." Hyacinthe breathed out suddenly as he looked up at her. He was slick with water and his hair damp. All the while rivulets ran down his face, hair and neck, and down his chest and arms. "I must ask you...for the question has been upon my mind since I've seen you...are you the only one that lives so far within the forest?" He questioned of her.

As for Cillian...well, he looked at her curiously.

Are you...?

[Eili­s of the Forest]

(Apologies in advance! LOL!)

Listening intently to Cillian, it was plain to see how close the bond was between wolf and man. She envied the man that; a close friend that would share her path would be a welcome thing indeed. But, alas, such a luxury was not to be hers. Eilís enjoyed being able to leave a place at a moment's notice, strike a camp on a whim and do exactly as she pleased for all those precious moments in between. Since Brione had been taken from her life had seemed infinitely more precious to Eilís. She was a survivor, and she would live out her life in quiet solitude with unparalleled happiness if it only meant that she would be safe.

She was interested to hear that Cillian and the man Hyacinthe spent a considerable amount of time within the boundaries of the very forest she knew and loved so well. It was astounding to think that she hadn't come upon them before. They were the type of couple that could hardly escape her notice. Obliging Cillian by ruffling the ever soft fur of his underbelly, Eilís contemplated what she was being told. It was clear that Cillian's love and respect for Hyacinthe was tantamount. From personal experience, Eilís knew it was not easy to gain a wolf's trust. Such a thing spoke highly for the man.

Interrupted from answering by the sudden emergence of Hyacinthe by her dipping foot, Eilís was startled. Further still, when she felt his hand brush against her ankle she reacted intuitively. Wrenching her foot from the water and leaping agilely to her feet, she looked at Hyacinthe with wide blue eyes even as she scrambled back from the water's edge. If she'd had time to think about the situation before she had moved, she might well have slapped his face. Instead, she simply stood higher back on the rock, trembling with shock and indignation that he would be so bold.

It was, perhaps, lucky for Hyacinthe that she had engaged the flight response. One of her arrows would have been happy to indulge her desires otherwise. She studied the man's face for a moment as if attempting to commit it to memory for the purpose of future target practice. Her skin was covered in goose-pimples as a result of the seemingly innocent contact, her unruly hair almost crackling with suppressed magical energy. For a moment, a very small moment, her blue eyes held a tell-tale flash of golden light. Pursing her lips, Eilís shook her head in disbelief at Hyacinthe's audacity. She then turned her gaze on Cillian.

'Oh yes,' she began tartly, irrationally taking her emotional explosion out on the wolf. 'Wholly trustworthy! Not at all like other men! A man of honour!' With a derisive snuffle through her nose, Eilís took a few steps backwards, leaving the pair in her foreground. She knew the man would not make it to her in time to have a chance at capturing her. 'I am no man's plaything! Just because I am alone in this forest and your friend may be looking for someone to warm his bed-roll, it does not mean that I am supposed to allow such degradation!'

“You'll have to excuse me, My Lord,” she said then to Hyacinthe, her tone dripping with venom and mocking. “There is somewhere else I am supposed to be.” Without another word Eilís turned gracefully on her heel, the hem of her tunic flaring in a most contradictory manner as she attempted to flee into the safety of the trees before either man or wolf could accost her.

[Hyacinthe mab Necthana]

Hyacinthe hadn't meant to touch her. Truth be told, Hyacinthe's hand had moved out of reflex more than anything. It was a touch that was often shared amongst the gypsy people Hyacinthe spent time with; after all, they were a different people and held very little shame. Yet, Hyacinthe should have known that Deidra was different. That she wouldn't allow such a touch and that he was within the wrong the moment he had come near her and touched her.

She leapt back and all Hyacinthe could do was stare.

"Deidra," he breathed out her name. "My apologies. I did not mean to frighten you. I meant nothing by my touch. Please..." Yet, Hyacinthe had very little time to speak before she had begun herself. She excused herself and stated she had other things to do before turning upon her heel. All the while Cillian's own mind was hammered by her own thoughts. He even leapt to his fours and sought to trail after her and defend Hyacinthe. Although not without scolding the man himself.

Look at what you have done!

I didn't mean to slight her.

Stupid!

Hyacinthe was scolded and left within the wake of the wolf and Deidra both. All he could do was linger for a moment before he thrusted himself toward the shore and used his arms to propel himself toward his things. Cillian, though, was upon her heels or at least as best as he could keep to her. Fortunately, Cillian was agile and rather swift, and managed well enough.

Do you truly believe that he would do you harm or that I would lead him to you for such a thing? Cillian demanded of her. He himself was rather offended at the notion. He's a man that leads by touch. It's the way of his people! The way of bloodmother...! He means you no harm. Will you slow down?! Cillian demanded but continued to trail after her and quickened his pace to linger within her wake. Why would you take such an offense? Why wouldn't you answer him? Cillian asked thereafter. He could help you right the wrongs that mankind has done to this forest! Cillian threw at her. He attempted everything and anything.

Have you found her...?

Stay where you are!

Hyacinthe felt the desperate press of Cillian's mind and then once more Hyacinthe was empty of the wolf. He quested for the beast but felt nothing. He was with the woman. Hyacinthe knew that much. It wasn't long until he was slipping free of the forest pool and gathered his clothing hastily to dress. All the while his heart hammered.

Will you come back with me...? He will listen to you and others will listen to him. He has the ear of many. He has the ear of those above us! Cillian pressed onto her mind and stood his ground then. He lingered and did not dare follow any further. Instead, Cillian watched her.

He watched and waited.

[Eili­s of the Forest]

Eilís slackened her step just enough to make it possible for the wolf to keep pace with her in a manner of speaking. She was furious, but had wrongly taken out her anger on the creature instead of the proper target. Supposing that was because she could more easily converse with Cillian as their minds entwined, she soon stopped still and gave pause to her racing heart, closing her eyes to prevent the fury that she felt from overwhelming her. She looked down to Cillian, her pale face pained.

'With all due respect, I do not know him,' she pointed out, her stance defensive and her eyes wild. 'How am I to know whether he would do me harm or not? And whilst it may very well be that he and his people lead by touch â€" I do not!' Deeply offended, she took another few steps forward, fuelled by her heated blood. She seemed to think better of it, however, and paused yet again to turn back to Cillian. His words did not escape her. He has the ear of those above us. She correctly assumed this to mean that he had the ear of the King.

She could not trust him. Could she?

Eilís decided that honesty was the best policy in times such as these. There really was no way for her to be certain that her story would be kept quiet, but she had not given her real name and nor was she like to now. She sighed in a mixture of agitation and sorrow, her eyes closing against the brightness of a moonbeam that had slipped its milky finger through a break in the leaves overhead. Crouching on her haunches and resting her forearms on her knees in a balanced position, Eilís gave in.

'This must remain between us. If you wish to gain my trust, then you will not tell your man-friend.' She looked at Cillian, her expression anxious. This was turning out to be a very troubling night, and she was longing to be away from here. She was being forced to confront boundaries that she had thought would never be close and explore memories that were best kept private. 'I understand that you are bonded to him and I do not expect, nor would I ask you to forsake him. But you must believe me when I tell you that I cannot trust him. He is in the employ of the King; that much is obvious. And the King is responsible for the death of my pack-mates.'

Speaking in the language of wolves was second-nature to Eilís; the forest had its fair share of the breed. She knew that he would understand the interwoven connection between members of a pack, and thus she felt she had communicated the crippling loss of her loved ones adequately for her purposes. 'I have lived in this forest all my life. The last two winters of which have been lonely. And all because magic was not always as tolerated as it is now.'