Peaceful River (Diana, Veryan)

[rowen]

Rowen sat alone by the river on a rock. Elbows on his knees, chin resting in his hands, he stared out across the water to the other side, but without seeing it. His mind far away, he tried to think of what he should do. He didn't really know why he'd come out here in the first place. It was a pretty place. The sun shone down on the water, making it glisten as it made its way downstream. It wasn't a terribly cold day. The snow wasn't too deep in post places, and the day seemed a whole lot warmer just because the sun was out and the wind wasn't blowing that hard.

Rowen, having had enough of staring into nothing, looked in his fur robe and produced a small book. Flipping open to the bookmark, a simple piece of string, he started to read. It was hard though. He couldn't seem to focus on the book like he usually did. He kept having to look back up at the river, then go back. Maybe it was becuase this was a particularly boring part in the book. No, he changed his mind. Maybe it was becuase the book was just plain boring. Yeah, that sounded right. After all, it was a history book about Gore. Rowen had picked it up, thinking it might be interesting, but it wasn't.

Finally reaching a part in it that seemed at least a little bit interesting, Rowen forced his eyes to stay on the book. It was a part about some battle whose name he'd already forgotten. Interesting or not, it was something to do while he had nothing better to. Wasn't like he had somewhere to be. And the sound of the river was very peaceful and calming.

[Diana Lovell]

Diana had slept in late. How could she not help it as she had been busy the night before entertaining a young noble. But that was all it had been. She had sat there and read him poetry and sang sweet tunes to him until he fell asleep. As a courtesan she had a choice whom she took to her bed, and this young nobleman was not someone she had wanted naked between her cream silk sheets. Once the nobleman had fallen asleep, Diana had crept out of his rooms and stalked the halls, becoming familiar with the castle. She was not going to make her move yet. She could not; it was not safe. So Diana closed her eyes and walked from her room to Prince Arthur's and back, undetected. She was small and her dark coloring helped hide her. She also preferred to wear darker colors. That night she had worn a midnight blue gown that camouflaged with the walls.

When Diana finally woke up she felt restless. No one needed a courtesan during the day. She was the lady of the night, or the wife of the night. During the day men attended to their many matters, but at night they required a brief stress reliever, entertainment, and charming quick wit, which Diana could deliver. Diana got out of bed and slipped on a dark red dress with a corset that was loosely tied. Her dark hair was pinned back with her little hair pin dagger she always kept with her. She then grabbed a cream colored cloth and left the castle. She walked down to the river where she began to remove her clothing, leaving on the simple shift under her dress. Though she could have easily bathed in her room, Diana preferred the outdoors. The idea of being caught was thrilling and she loved the chill of fresh water.

Diana waded into the river and let down her hair. The river came up to her waist and the ends of her hair fanned out and floated on the surface. She closed her eyes, lifting her pale head toward the sky, revealing her slender pale neck. A smile played on her lips as she began to sing. A strong desire to duck under water and never come up over came her and slowly Diana dipped down so first her chin tickled the water, and then her whole head was under.

[Veryan Lithônion]

It was early in the morning and though Thalion wanted Veryan with him at all times tending to their customers and working at the forgery a smithy of Veryan’s age always need a break, in fact certainly everyone needed one form time to time. It was then when taking his black horse out for the day he decided he would ride for a bit, for as long as his father did not need him which meant the day was not busy and he could take some hours of rest in order to also ponder about this new land and get to know the nature that surrounded him.

With time he was beginning to get to know the people around Camelot, their traditions and incorporations to the new world, one free form the Romans, or so they said though truly Veryan could not say much for he had not come across that civilization though he surely was intrigued by it. He placed the saddle on the horse’s back and fastened the chair before he put on his cloak for t was a cold morning though the sun was already working his way into making the land flourish beautifully. He smiled and got on the horse and gently led him out of the family stables.

So far the family business was blooming though he could not trust that entirely, he still needed to ensure he learned his father’s teachings and became a good smith. He did enjoy the job though for creating things with his hands was a truly fascinating feeling. And the fact that he was awfully good at it was a plus he could not neglect.

He looked at the grassy and green path before them though it was somewhat muddy and the snow seemed to be melting away little by little. He was wearing leather globes he himself made in an attempt to learn not only forging things but also making the best of other goods, which also meant craftsmanship. They were comfortable and warm and though the design was nice too that was, in his opinion, the least important matter. He considered riding toward the river in an attempt to see how close Spring was for if the ice in the river bends began to melt that meant good news and surely he could already find dandelions blossoming at the shores.

And if he was to enjoy his time fruitfully then he certainly could do as much for his house was not far from the river in a way to keep close to the water source since forging can be such a messy job, though he still liked it either way. He sighed and then looked up as the small path toward the river showed and then, sure of his horse’s abilities and knowing he had warmed up enough, he urged him into a gentle trot in a way to warm himself and the horse.

He laughed softly feeling the horse’s hooves against the muddy path with bits of ice and snow still. He enjoyed he cold caress of the wind against his face and in a way riding among nature mad him happy; knowing he was alone he did not repair on being too loud and eventually reached the river bends. It was then when he spotted a man reading, or trying to. As he halted his horse’s gallop he felt somewhat foolish for having been so loud but then motioned for his horse to move forth and in noticing who it was he smiled and said, “Dia duit, a chaird Rowan! *” He chuckled as he reached the man and halted his horse saying, “Always reading books, are we?”

He caressed his horse’s mane gently saying, “Have you come in search of nature’s embrace Rowan?” but then, it was as if the river’s peace was shattered and once again he felt his eyes close for a brief moment and sense nature’s voice, the water called to him and told him of someone swimming the waters. He gasped weakly and then looked about them and could not see anyone in the water, “I fear there is someone in the water, must not be too far away, maybe that person needs help Rowan for the water is much too cold and the ice has not fully melt for anyone to engage in a leisure swim.”

He motioned for his horse to turn so he could look as if trying to get in touch with water, trying to know where the person could be, “We must find that person…” He turned to look at Rowan and then climbing down from his horse his leather boots felt heavily on the snowy and muddy path and caressing his horse’s mane he urged him to go back home, he had been trained for years back home in the handling of horses and they were smarter and nobler animals than most other countries took them to be. He straightened up and placing a hand on the hilt of his sword he turned straight and began running in that direction trusting his heart to be right, if that person was drowning the struggle against the cold waters would kill him or her in but minutes.


*Dia duit, a chaird Rowan! = Hi there, my dear friend, Rowan!

[rowen]

Rowen heard the soft clop of a horse's hooves and simply ignored it. Probably just someone passing, enjoying the weather. But he did look up when the black horse stopped near him, and a friendly voice called to him in a language he recognized after thinking about it for a second. He grinned and stood, tucking the book back in its place. "What is there better to do than read on such a beautiful day?" he asked.

He watched Veryan closely as his mind seemed to go far away. Rowen's brow furrowed in confusion. Then Veryan started to babble about someone in the river. Rowen was totally confused as to what the boy was talking about. Someone in the river? There weren't and cries for help, or anything of that sort. But he just strugged to himself and raced after Veryan, his hand going to the knife he hardly ever used.

[Diana Lovell]

Diana stayed under water. True it was winter, and true there were still blocks of ice, but Diana could not feel a thing. Her heart perhaps had shriveled into a sad little black coal the day her father and brother died. Her eyes were closed because it was too cold to open them and later Diana would probably curse herself for not bringing a warmer blanket, but she had not known what she had been thinking. She just did not want to feel for some time. Her whole body went numb and suddenly Diana could feel the balance between mortality and perfection. At that moment she was truly happy.

And then Diana let out the air in her lungs, knowing that she would sink to the bottom. She had every intention of kicking up once she had, but time moved so slowly. Her dark hair fanned out and her white shift billowed around her waist, still miraculously modest. She wondered what it would be like if her body was found frozen as she were now. Frozen when she was still young and beautiful. Of course Diana had no intention of dying, not yet at least. She had a mission. But afterwards . . . Diana could not think of afterwards. All she had was now. And now held a different death, not her own.

[Veryan Lithônion]

Veryan smirked at the sudden grin on Rowen’s face the moment he realized it was but a friend who addressed him and he was glad that to some extent he could still talk to some people in his mother tongue which is Celt. He certainly knew Latin thanks to his father’s stubborn nature or making him learn as many languages as he could master, but he preferred using his own if possible and Rowan was one of the few people who still knew the language and could understand it. A pity it would be to lose such beautiful language at the sake of conquest or invasion but sometimes history played an important part.

"What is there better to do than read on such a beautiful day?"

He smirked, at that moment he thought of suggesting many things like horseback riding, hunting, walking leisurely or even inviting good company for a pick nick for the day was unnaturally beautiful but then times moved fast and though he would have liked to employ his leisure time in other ways he knew that saving a life was far more important.

And so as they ran he simply said, “Saving a life perchance?” He laughed softly as their boots hit the muddy path lightly as they took off at a greater pace though making sure he did not run too fast for Rowen to catch up just in case his intuition failed him and it was not someone in need but enemies. One could never be too careful and so he allowed a certain joy in the adrenaline rush of the uncertainty of who the person they were looking for was.

It wasn’t that he was being rude or rather laughing at the misfortune of another person but he thought that life should be seen with the eyes of philosophy and that meant a young lad should not be scorned for being jovial and rather eager to encounter adventures and certainly saving a life was an adventure unlike any other. Perhaps that was why he was so excited to save the person though of course he was not thinking on other matters.

For example how far was the person from the water edge, how cold it was wherever he or she could be, and most importantly was this another of his sudden connections with nature? Could this suddenly remind him there was some kind of magic to him he had not know before? Why was it that Camelot was so mysterious and at the same time encouraging the existence of magic he had thought dormant never to awake?

Surely this confused Rowen and to some extent it also would make him questions Veryan’s reasons to believe someone needed their help when there came no screams nor anyone let them know of the sudden incident. Would he then back away and take Veryan for a crazy follower of the druids instead of an old friend he used to have? Mayhap he would have to confess this to Rowen, but not now, no, he needed to know what it was before he could even trust this to anyone, he feared being betrayed.

Just when he was beginning to fear he had been rushed about actually nothing he spotted a dress on the grass. He halted the moment he saw it in front of him and was rather shocked at how true his feelings were, or had it been the woods warning him of said danger? Why was it he was so connected to the elements? He took deep breaths to recover form the run and then looked in front of him and saw a body inside the water and though she was very much alive he could tell she lacked the strength to pull herself out. There was no time to waste.

He quickly removed his gloves and places them on the grass once he moved all the sand for it not to damp his clothes and the placed it on the fresh grass followed by his belt, cloak and main shirt. There was no time to waste… and he suddenly came with an exceptionally rare plan where he would swim and rescue the girl without thinking he could also freeze inside the river and die; though there seemed to be something deep inside him reassuring him he could come out of this alive, all he needed was to remain warm the moment he came out and so he turned to Rowan and said as he placed his stuff on the fresh clean grass, “Rowan I need you to look for some logs and start a bonfire quickly, the Lady and I will need the comforting warmth of the fire the moment I come out.”

Sure, he was telling Rowan that he, Veryan, a young lad apprentice to blacksmith, was going to venture into the water and attempt to rescue a maiden who seemed to have decided to swim in ice waters. Was she mad? Perhaps she had been tossed inside? Well no time for drama…

He then took a deep breath and entered the icy waters feeling his whole body freeze, would he be able to save the lady? He swam eagerly remembering to keep his breath for the dioxide would render him more warmth inside his body and a means to still feel his arms. It was then when again the strangest thing happened…

He was but inches from the lady when suddenly he felt his body freeze as if he was part of that ice river and he could move even more easily. He reached the lady and the ice broke strenuously allowing him to take hold of her and easily swim back. He was still taken aback of what had just happened as he gently carried the lady to the shore he seemed absorbed in his own thoughts. His body did not feel cold at all and yet he knew he had just entered an ice river to save someone.

This was not normal…

Not at all…

Trusting Rowen had lit a bonfire in the mean time he moved some snow form the grass and then placed the lady on it gently after he moved her gown with his leg in order to prevent her body from betting colder and more humid. He gently placed her on her dress and after putting back on his shirt he placed his cloak to cover her and ensure she regained warmth. Though he knew that, as he placed his hand on her cheek to feel her body temperature, Rowen would ask him what had just happened back there…
It had been too noisy and powerful to be ignored, especially by someone who knew Veryan so well.

[rowen]

Rowen's eyes caught on the form in the river, and he was more confused than ever. Why would anyone go into the river that was still half frozen? It was madness. But he nodded and quickly went in search of at least a piece of dry wood. It had to be dry, or else they'd never get a fire started. Once one was started, they could add damp logs to make it bigger. He found a few pieces that had been protected from the snow under a pile of fallen leaves. Gathering them up, he piled them in a hasty stack and drew his knife and one of the ever-present sheets of parchment he kept with him. Tearing it up into small shreds, he stuck them in the middle of the wood stack. He hoped he still remembered how to make a fire from the days when he was Veryan's age.

Graping a rock and striking it against the knife, he was relieved that sparks flew in all directions. After striking several more times, a flame started to dance on one of the pieces of parchment. He put the knife and stone, which he guessed much have actually been flint, he blew gently on the flame. It spread around to the other pieces, then started to crackle as it made contact with the wood. A few seconds later, the while pile was up in flames. Quickly standing, Rowen looked back to the river to see Veryan pulling the girl from the cold waters. Turning back, he searched for more firewood and added more and more pieces to the fire. He stood aside and watched Veryan curiously. His young friend has just come out of that river unhurt, it seemed. It was so unnatural that Rowen couldn't resist asking, but he first pulled his own cloak off and handed it to Veryan, since the boy had given his to the girl.

"Now what was that all about?"

[Diana Lovell]

Diana was just about to kick off the ground when suddenly something felt different. She wanted to open her eyes, but couldn't, and then there were hands on her. She began to struggle, thinking that perhaps this person was trying to kidnap her, but then realized she would do better be conserving her strength. She allowed the man to bring her up to the bank. As her pale skin hit the cool air Diana mentally cursed. She could feel the goosebumps rising and her dark hair was probably forming into icicles. What had she been thinking? And yet Diana was not a rational animal these days.

As the man lay her down and wrapped her up with his cloak, Diana sensed that she was not in danger. She slowly opened her eyes to look up and saw a young man with dirty blond hair and a kind face. She wondered if he rescued damsels in distress on a daily basis. "I was not drowning, you idiot," were Diana's first words to the man. She tried to sit up, but as she did, the cloak began to fall off her, so instead she stay laying down, She looked to her side and saw that there were two blond men, not only one. Well, it was her lucky day after all. Threesome anybody?

[Veryan Lithônion]

He was glad he had found the Lady just in time for he feared that a bit longer and she would have passed to better life in the company of the spirits of the earth and then they would have been unable to do anything, even use his strange connection with the elements for he somehow knew that he would not be able to stop that unless he altered nature and the balance and something was always a price to pay for that and it could be a severe one.

So he relied more on his ability to sense things whenever happening within nature’s grasp and in the speed of his legs from preventing things before they came to happen. And ever since such ability developed it seemed to work quite effectively so he did not need to fear his heart and feelings to be wrong whenever nature called upon him. Of course he was never counting on being someone who bore magic within.

He smiled and told Rowen, “She will be fine, she was a lucky one.” And though he wished to change the topic he knew that sooner or later he would ask his young friend a question related to that and he would not be able to fully answer for to be honest he hadn’t the slightest idea what had just happened. He offered Veryan his cloak in such a friendly manner that though he truly did not need the cloak he dared not deny it and hurt his friend’s feelings and so he put it on thankfully and there it came…

And then…

He asked…

"Now what was that all about?"

Veryan sighed and then though on many answers to give that would be true as well like having an adrenaline rush, fighting against nature to spare a life and all that which sounded rather cheesy and dramatic but he could not lie to his friend and so he simply said, “Truly I do not know, it seems to have been happening ever since I left Cornwall for Camelot and I am yet to understand it.” Would Rowen turn his back on Veryan? Well it was understandable, what other person that he knew had elemental abilities?

It was just too supernatural for anyone in his right frame of mind to tolerate especially since the King of the land Uther is resilient to having many magicians nearby, he has accepted some of it but is rather controlling over it, an elementalist surely is the last thing he would want in his kingdom and perhaps his own friends cold be in danger if ever Uther came to know?

But then the sudden recovering woman thankfully interrupted his thoughts as she spoke. She seemed to try and stand up but then decided unto covering herself with the cloak ad simply recovering her body temperature. Veryan smiled it seemed she was stronger than he thought, which was good though he still wondered what she could be doing inside the icy river.

"I was not drowning, you idiot,"

Any other lad would surely have felt insulted and would have left the woman there and then, not Veryan though for there was a certain irony to his personality and surely he was rather cheerful among good fellowship. So he merely smirked at her words and said, “You are welcome…” He then added as he stood up and removed the snow from his hands and short blonde hair, “And you would have, had you stayed there any longer, most would take that for a foolish act yet we shall render you compassion and take it that perhaps personal frustration forced you upon the depths of the river.” He was not making sport of her though he did feel that at least she should have admitted it was unusual for anyone to go swimming to the frozen river. He then smiled and folded his arms across his chest saying, “To whom may we have the pleasure of talk to? I am Veryan Lithônion, blacksmith by profession.”

[rowen]

Rowen just shook his head at Veryan's answer. Yet more things he doubted he'd ever understand, and yet more things he didn't really care about understanding. But Veryan was his friend. If some random person had taken Veryan's place in this charade, Rowen would have probably walked away right then. He didn't like getting mixed up in things. Veryan was obviously as confused about all this as Rowen was himself. "Okay... Whatever that's supposed to mean." He tried a smile to break the seemingly stiff feeling in the air. The soaking wet girl seemed very annoyed. Well, who wouldn't be annoyed. She'd just almost committed suicide. "You ought to be thankful," he told her in a flat voice.

[Diana Lovell]

Diana looked up at the second blond man who was slightly older, though still had a certain appeal. Her eyes narrowed slightly as her mouth set in a straight line. If she had not been so civilized, she might have growled or hissed like a cat. Instead she curled up under the cloak, acting like Cleopatra or the Queen of England. She did not want to be spoken down to by these two gentlemen. If only they knew that she was a lady, and was once a lady of noble birth. The crown that sat on Uther's head was almost rightfully her family's, though she now knew that her father was rash and not very clever. If he had wanted the crown, he should not have been so loud about his betrayal. When Diana would take the crown from Uther's head (not that she wanted to be Queen), she would have him laying on the floor choking on his own blood. As for now, her dagger was on the other side of the bank with her clothes. She finally sat up and the cloak fell, revealing her wet shift pressed tightly against her pale skin. Both her skin and shift were the same color, but her curves were revealed, yet she did not appear to notice.

"So, am I going to be talked down to by you two men, or are you going to treat me with the proper respect I am due?" she asked, mainly looking at the older man. Diana made sure that her posture was modest and ladylike enough as she did not want them to think that they could take advantage of rescuing a courtesan. Most people had the wrong idea about courtesans. She was not a common prostitute that sold her body for men's pleasures. She also sold her wit, intelligence, charm, and presence. She could be a muse for an artist or writer, or she could inspire a king. Diana was a political animal and right now she was trying her hardest to stay civilized.

[Veryan Lithônion]

"Okay... Whatever that's supposed to mean."

Veryan smiled at Rowen and though he thought that perhaps he could trust him concerning the strange things e had been experiencing he thought that having a third person involved would not help and so he smiled back at Rowen and considered telling him once it was just both of them walking along the river bends and perhaps he would have strength enough to amid he had some kind of magical powers connected to the elements and yet that was not all what dealt with things he could not understand and he ignore dif he ever would.

But he was glad Rowan was a wise man and did not question his friend in front of the lady for though she was harmless Veryan knew that he was new to these lands and as such he could not just enter the city walls and trust everyone with this secret of his. He grubbed his hands which were covered by black leather fingerless gloves in order to dry himself as well from the cold of winter and his soaking clothes though he was still impressed that it seemed to him as if he didn’t feel cold at all, what a strange feeling it was to share such connections with the elements.

He lightly shook his hair in an attempt to dry it up a bit as he heard Rowan address the Lady in such a way it seemed that he was reproaching her for behaving so rudely but Veryan did not mind really, it wasn’t as if all his clients at the forge were generous and smiley, no people were diverse as were the water drops in the ocean waves. He simply had managed to get used to the idea and still look as if he was not hurt for the person’s words or actions, which he wasn’t really.

He noticed how she looked ahead of them and understood she might be looking for her clothes? So he slowly walked over to look for them gladly finding them not too far away from where they had set a small fire. He then placed them next to her and said, “I recommend you, milady, that you should get dressed only when your clothes dry or else you will catch a cold.” His voice was soft and yet with hints of advice and determination.

He noticed how she turned to look at Rowen and how she spat him uncomfortable words but he simply warmed himself with the fire and then did his best not to laugh at this situation, who could have ever thought that rescuing a Lady form the icy waters of the lake would turn out to be having to stand her rudeness. Poor Rowen…

[rowen]

Rowen felt the first chills prick his arms since he'd given his cloak to Veryan. Even with the day being unusually nice for this time of the year, the cold was hard to ignore. But he tried his best and refused to look outwardly cold, because, knowing Veryan, the boy would insist on giving back the cloak. The kid was too honorable for his own good, and maybe even more so since he was new to Camelot. The girl addressed Rowen, and he paused for a second to think of a good way to reply.

"Well," he started, "Considering you were the one who decided to go for a swim, and Veryan was the one who saved you, I think a little talking down isn't too far out of the question." He allowed himself a small, grim smile. "Then again, talking you down isn't very important at this moment. Just so long as you're someone who learns from their mistakes, I think we're good as far as that goes. So, that said, I do believe you will be treated with the respect anyone is due." He shrugged simply. He had nothing else to say, so he just let Veryan take his turn. The girl could have at least said 'thank you' or something. But that's not my problem, just so long as she isn't dead.

[Diana Lovell]

Diana willfully stared at Rowen before she finally gave up and snuggled into the cloak. Her dark hair fell in cold, wet ringlets around her neck and she could feel the chill running down her spine, causing her to shiver. A nice warm arm of a young man would have been nice right then as well as soft warm sheets and a bed. But here she was, being held prisoner by two men wearing only a white shift that was more than revealing. She could not just stand up and leave, though she had no problem baring her body in front of them. She just thought that this older man did not deserve it.

"So, what are your names?" Diana asked, trying to be polite. Perhaps her rudeness was not the best thing at the moment. Though she would never admit her slight insanity only a few minutes ago, she knew she had to be somewhat civil now, if only to please the two men, and she was so good at pleasing men.

(((Sorry for the shortness and taking so long to reply!)))

[Veryan Lithônion]

Veryan turned to look at Rowen and though the man hid it all too well his body gave him away as he could see some goose bumps on his arms, could it be the man was feeling somewhat cold? It was funny that Veryan truly did not feel cold at all, even though his clothes were all wet, well they were drying as he stood close to the fire. For a moment he looked at the fire and wondered if he could also make the process of his cloths drying up faster than usual by summoning the warmth of the fire. As he did so he found it effective though dangerous still since he did not control the elements yet and so, halfway done, feeling his clothes drier he decided to take off the cloak and tell Rowen, “I am almost fully dry, my friend and the bonfire is soothing, I am sure I will be fine without it, you might nee dit more than me.”

"Well… Considering you were the one who decided to go for a swim, and Veryan was the one who saved you, I think a little talking down isn't too far out of the question… Then again, talking you down isn't very important at this moment. Just so long as you're someone who learns from their mistakes, I think we're good as far as that goes. So, that said, I do believe you will be treated with the respect anyone is due."

Veryan smiled as Rowen spoke, few would ever consider a man like him cunning or smart but the young blacksmith truly admired him and often came to him to be instructed in all he knew concerning literature and philosophy. He was also a good advisor so whenever in trouble or uncertain about something he normally trusted Rowen for these sort of things though now it was sort of amusing to hear both him and the Lady argue.

He looked around for a moment certain that her dress might be a best option than wearing that wet undergarment for he did not dare to use his power when it came to people he did not know that well. And so, as he spotted the dress he allowed the sudden silence that fell in the room embrace them and as he came back he heard the Lady speak again.

“My name is Veryan Lithônion, which be yours Lady?” He then presented her with the dress as he said, “I believe this will help you regain body warmth and to prevent an illness rather than the undergarment you are wearing we will turn so that you can put it on.” He obviously expected anything from her, but he would try to be polite and, if she did try anything funny he had his weapons in hand. He then turned his back at her and waited for her to put on the dress and remove her wet garments.