[A] An Ominous Horizon {Plot - Part One} [Finished]

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Character of the Month
Prince Caspian

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Played by Cara

"Cara has managed to...create a character that is both mythical and life-like. Impulsive, moody, and yet kind and good-hearted, Caspian is just beginning to show the makings of a true leader."
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[Prince Caspian]

Part One

Caspian woke early that morning, the dampness in the air slightly unnerving. The last thing they needed at present was a storm, though if a little bit of rain was to come their way, who was he to fight it? He could do nothing about it and worrying over such an unpredictable thing as the rain or a storm was a foolish thing indeed. Still, it seemed as though he was worrying about everything as of late, and the prospect of disagreeable weather was going to nag at him for the rest of the day, he was certain. Climbing from his bed, he could not help but sigh at the memory of his old life. Indeed, he was happy to be here and happy to help but...

He missed his younger days; carefree days with nothing more to worry about then whether or not his tutors lessons would run long. He could remember soft, fluffy pillows and delicious cakes and pastries. His mouth watered at the mere memory. And of course there were the parties - elaborate parties in which Caspian was always looked up with an adoring smile when he was younger, and then with hope when he was a little older. Every woman with young daughters hoped to parade their girls around before him in the slim chance he might take a liking to one of them. After all, did not everyone wish to further their status? To marry a royal, a prince, the heir to Narnia no less... what an honour that would be!

Caspian had taken very little interest in any of them, much to both his uncle's dismay and the dismay of the many advisors and nobles of the court. That wasn't to say he hadn't found any of them pretty, but he certainly hadn't found any of them to be genuine, to be actually interested in him. He had known from a young age he would be doomed to have a wife chosen for him by his uncle - his own wishes in a wife were far too high to be attainable, or so he was told. So he never saw much use in actively looking.

He left his tent after a quick breakfast of toast and eggs - someone had left him his food outside his tent. Probably in order to let the young Prince sleep... it was obvious that he needed it. When he chanced a glance up at the sky, he bit his lip in concern. Above the camp and to the west, dark storm clouds were gathering. He could feel the cooling of the wind and shivered. Not a good sign, not a good sign at all. Still, the gathering storm was a ways away yet; they had some time to make sure all the tents were put down properly and that everything was put in it's place.

Still... a storm? A most ominous sign indeed. How long would it last? Would it cause much damage to the camp? Everything that they had here they needed; they weren't living in luxury, surrounded by extras. No, they had only the necessities and to lose anything at this point would be absolutely horrible. Frowning slightly, Caspian glanced around the camp at the beings he had come to view as friends, as family. He never would have thought such a thing possible - there were flying horses, dwarves, unicorns, bears, giants, mice... but despite the petty arguments, everyone stood together when it was most important. They were all fighting this battle together; Caspian was not on his own in this. It was a good feeling.

Wondering what the best thing to do would be, Caspian glanced around feeling quite useless indeed. He really did not know much about this whole war thing - if he had had to do all of this on his own, they would have failed miserably by now. But there were so many here who were far more knowledgeable than him... he was forever indebted to them.

Not wishing to stand there with trouble brewing in the sky, he set off to seek the advice of someone who might know better what ought to be done before the storm approached. He knew one thing: he wouldn't wish to still be standing outside his tent when the rain started to fall.

[Indy]

The soft blades of grass covered the ground of the camp, many places the grass had been ripped entirely away, due to various reasons, may it be hurried feet or horses hooves. On one of these spots, Halcyon found himself sparring against a faun. The size of the centaur was larger than that of the faun, but the creature was holding his own against Halcyon. His disadvantage was that his bulk kept him from being as quick as the faun.

Steel banged against steel as Halcyon parried a blow, shoving the faun backwards as he tripped to the side, his hooves thumping heavily on the ground. The mock battle had been going on for some time, and the fatigue of the faun and Halcyon was apparent. None of them seemed ready to give in though. The faun charged him and with some difficulty he parried the blow and stepped to the side to avoid the charge. His plan didn?t work well though, as the faun rasped him across the side, indicating that Halcyon has lost the battle.

He brought the sword down and let his sword hand hang limply down his side, feeling knackered and sweaty. Halcyon gave the faun a solid handshake, smiling pleasantly.

?Excellent sparring session, Jerun,? he complimented. ?You?re a mighty opponent.? Jerun laughed, taking the sword in Halcyons hand and putting it along with his on a nearby weapons rack.

?You hold you own, Halcyon,? Jerun said. ?I?ve never seen someone use some of those manoeuvres, not traditional are they??

Halcyon kicked the ground idly with one of his front hooves, shaking his head. ?No, I?ve never had traditional combat training, so I just make things up as I go most of the time.? He grinned as Jerun shook his head.

?We should do it again some time, Halcyon, maybe I can teach you some real moves.?

He laughed at that. ?Sure, you old goat,? he said, grinning. Jerun shook his head with a smile and wandered off, leaving Halcyon alone in the sparring ring. He left as two others moved to claim the ring for themselves. Training was important; everyone seemed to be steeling themselves for battle, he understood why, most of Narnia did.

Halcyon was a fairly recent addition to the camp; he hadn?t been involved until he?d accidentally stumbled upon it. It was a cause he liked, one he was happy to join, but he felt more than a little out of place.

He turned his gaze up to the skies and saw the ominous clouds. They hadn?t been there when the sparring match with Jerun had started, but he hadn?t exactly been paying attention to the weather. He shivered slightly, not liking the look of the clouds at all. As someone who had spent a fair amount of time outside, he knew what sort of weather clouds like that were heralding.

He quickened his pace into a quick walk, weaving through the camp and idly wondering what sort of preparation would be happening to minimize the damage towards the camp. He knew a few tricks to make sure they didn?t drown like rats in the oncoming rain. Halcyon wasn?t the one calling the shots however, and he wasn?t entirely sure who to suggest it to either.

[KnightofNarnia]

Cross sat up from the green moist grass he was resting upon. He was taking a nap to rest from his morning workout routine. He would've slept a bit more but something held his inner being in suspense, it kept him restless all morning.

He was looking at the trees to his north, slowly changing his view to the sky above him. Ominous clouds like those usually meant trouble; well that's what he heard anyways.

Well He was new to the resistance force having joined very recently, so far things seemed to run quite smoothly considering the circumstances. He was anxious to get started with whatever task would be assigned to him, most preferably a task seen as physically demanding.

Cross stretched his legs before standing right up. Looking at the sky brought a sense of terror to his mind. Rain was most desirable of course but the wind and clouds were enough to alarm him that something was not right. He didn't know very much about storms or weather systems but what he did know was that something was going to take a turn for the worst.

Raindrops fell gently on his face; it was cold just like the chill that came from the wind. Every storm has its smooth beginnings; it?s when the storm breaks the silence and peace that marks the start of havoc however. Cross wasn't wearing much to begin with and if out too long in this weather he would be bound to get sick.

Although the rain had started, it was only a slight drizzle. It would be a little bit of rain and then a rest, but it will pick up though as much more time passes on.

With the sight of lightning far off in the distance he ran towards the camp, it was time the preparations for an unwelcome weather system began. He had ideas on how to minimize any potential damages to the camp but without ever trying them out he wouldn't know if it would work against the ever approaching storm.

[Prince Caspian]

There was nervousness in his step as he crossed the camp - though it would only be noticeable to the most observant. This was his intention - those attentive enough to notice might be those wise enough to help. Those who could not notice were probably better off not knowing that their Prince worried over a storm. Caspian knew though, despite his little experience with the temper of nature, that this was no simple, ordinary storm. There was a tension that hung in the air - the feeling of danger, of destruction. This was going to be a powerful, merciless storm and they had better secure the camp and find a safe place to hide away else they were ruined.

But where would they hide everyone away? Surely the mice could find shelter easily enough - even the dwarves and the humans and the horses. But what about those creatures who were significantly larger? Where would he house the giant, for instance?

Bringing his hands to his head, Caspian lightly massaged his temples with his fingers for but a moment before continuing on his way. First things first, they needed to make sure that everything was tied down. Necessary supplies could be piled into the tunnels under the hill covering the remains of the Stone Table, he supposed. Supplies and weaponry. They could probably fit a good deal of the army within as well, at least, he was hoping.

He need not worry about the Naiads and Dryads on their side; their shelter was easy enough. But what to do with everyone else...?

Caspian stopped short, glancing around. Others were beginning to notice the rapidly approaching storm as well. There was pointing, hesitation, and glancing around in wonderment of what to do.

"What are your orders, sire?"

Startled from his observations, Caspian took a deep breath and turned around. "Greetings Glenstorm. In the wake of the oncoming storm there are very few things that we can do. We must secure the camp and get everyone away from the rain. It would never do for our army to fall ill."

"Agreed. How shall we secure the camp?"

Caspian paused, studying the hastily erected tents. He would have liked to take them all down and hide them away, but that did not look as though it was going to be possible with the speed the storm was arriving. "Take down as many of the tents as possible," he instructed quickly, glancing around. "Get as much help as you can. The ones that cannot be taken down need to be tied to... whatever you can. Trees, mostly I would suppose, just so we don't lose them."

"Yes, sire, I shall do as you bid." The centaur bowed low and raced off towards a cluster of helpless looking creatures standing and staring at the clouds.

Spotting two familiar faces just off in the distance, Caspian hurried towards them. "Halcyon! Sir Cross! Friends! There is trouble brewing and we must secure the camp and scout shelter for the army. Have either of you any suggestions? I would gladly hear them."

[Indy]

When the drizzle started, Halcyon shook his coat, small droplets showering down from him as he did so. It was currently remaining simply a light drizzle, but judging by the approaching clouds, it would grow worse as time passed. That meant working quick would be key for their preparations. He saw creatures stopping up and staring up at the clouds, most couldn?t judge what would come by looking at the skies, he saw a few who knew what they were doing and a few orders shouted around.

Breaking into a light trot, he marched through the camp, coming with a few pointers to people working. Up ahead, he saw another centaur speaking with Prince Caspian, Glenstorm was his name, Halcyon didn?t know him well, but he was a good centaur, honourable like most other Narnians. Glenstorm soon rushed off, most likely to do what Prince Caspian had ordered.

"Halcyon! Sir Cross! Friends!?

He saw Caspian come towards him, and a human knight he hadn?t seen before, most likely this Sir Cross the prince was calling to. Halcyon sped up his pace, hurrying over to the prince who had called his name.

?Yes, sire?? He queried, gazing at Caspian with attentive eyes.

?Have either of you any suggestions? I would gladly hear them."

?Of course, sire,? Halcyon affirmed, he did indeed have some suggestions. ?We should no doubt take down the tents that we have time to take down, the rest will have to be secured to the trees and boulders, so the storm won?t run off with them.? It was one of the most basic things to do, really, but the prince had asked for suggestions, and Halcyon would be sharing what came to mind.

?Those we cannot bring down, we should dig trenches around, not too deep, but deep enough so that they lead any excess water away. If we don?t, the area might flood, the storm clouds look to be carrying quite a load,? he gestured vaguely to the clouds. ?Any important equipment and most of the soldiers can be moved into the tunnels in the hill, but I assume you?ve already thought of that?? He donned a sheepish grin, feeling he was pointing out the obvious to someone who already knew, but he continued.

?There are some caves scattered around in the forest, those could be of help to anyone who can?t find room in the hill.? Halcyon gave a firm nod to himself, as he cast a gaze over to the nearby forest. ?The forest on its own is a good cover by default, as the trees will create some form of natural cover.?

[KnightofNarnia]

"Halcyon! Sir Cross! Friends!?

Caspian had called him, what were the odds he would remember his name? With so many people in camp he wondered if he would recognize him but apparently he knew well who he was.
Cross approached as well as the Centaur, Halcyon. He was going to ask sometime soon if he wouldn't mind sparring for practice, Cross never actually fought anyone and he wanted to see how well his training routine served.

Caspian was with the other Centaur, the strong and honourable one that almost everyone knew in camp. It always felt weird around centaurs; their strength intimidated him as they were always so big in comparison to a human being.

Klivian provided much in response to Caspian's question on what they should do for the storm that has started. Cross had ideas but none as good as Klivian, he did mention something though.
"An idea, your majesty, came to mind. The Giants shouldn't be affected as much as the others, their great size would help them in the mud and their strength could be used in helping us transport much of our important resources to the caves."
It was all he had to offer as an opinion...

"I mean not to interrupt this important matter but Prince Caspian; I have another matter in need of attention. One that may take priority over this one seeing it would not take much time and quickly we could resume this important discussion."
He sighed, "It's in regards to a prisoner who was caught spying the land, I hid him in the bushes. I'm afraid he is not conscious sire, what should we do? The quicker the better so we may prepare for this storm."

[Prince Caspian]

It was with a smile that Caspian met up with both Sir Cross and Halcyon. It seemed that they both had some suggestions as to how to minimize storm damage, for which he was thankful. Halcyon mentioned a couple of things that he had already requested of Glenstorm, though he had a few new ideas as well. Trenches, for one, though as to how much time they had before the storm hit, he was uncertain. Though if all the Narnians pitched in... who knew how much they could accomplish?

"Trenches are an excellent idea, Halcyon," He said thoughtfully, glancing around the camp to get a better idea for space and time. "Yes, supplies will be hidden in the tunnels... I hadn't thought of the caves. Sir Cross?" He turned his attention then to the other standing before him, wondering if he might have anything to add - though if not, that was fine too.

Sir Cross had little to add, though he did say that the Giants would be better for transporting things as the mud might not bother them quite as much as everyone else. They were, after all, far stronger. Caspian's only concern was the slight clumsiness of one of the Giants in particular. Nevertheless, it was a valid and quite reasonable idea.

Cross then apologized for changing the subject, but said he had something of a good deal of importance. This caught Caspian's attention and he nodded his approval. "Do tell, Cross." He listened thoughtfully as Cross told him of a prisoner, unconscious and hidden away in the bushes. A prisoner? That could be bad, for Caspian hardly knew what to do to keep his own people safe - but he very well couldn't leave anyone out in the forest to weather this storm on their own, man of Miraz or not.

"I suppose there isn't any option but bring him to the camp," Caspian said slowly, glancing worriedly towards the sky. "We can't leave him out there on his own, not unconscious. This is going to be a vicious storm and I would rather not be responsible for an unnecessary casualty."

Looking out towards the forest, Caspian nodded shortly. "Bring him back here, and we shall set someone to guard him - perhaps a little deeper within the tunnels so he cannot cause any trouble. Are there any other questions concerning the matter? Oh, and Halcyon, I would appreciate if you could round up some of the army to do as you had suggested and dig some trenches. Perhaps around the camp, leading out towards the forest? Whatever you deem best, really."

[KnightofNarnia]

Upon hearing the Prince's request to bring the Telmarine to him he began to wonder how things may very well turn out.
Cross knew it was a good idea to bring him to Caspian, a heart such as Caspian's is rare to find and valuable indeed. This was the shining example of a future King of Narnia, in all his goodness.

Cross ran off the scene quickly only to find that the Telmarine was being used as a toy to the mice. They were poking him, tapping him, making the poor fellow a horrible 'object' for play and fun.
He flicked them away as he picked up his body, quickly he did run to the Prince.

Time was running and now the storm was frightening Cross, it was bad before but it just got worse. He couldn't imagine how powerful the winds would be, how often lightning would strike menacingly close. It was going to be a show of absolute raw power unleashing its wrath upon the land...

The Telmarine fell to the ground with a thump, right before Caspian's presence. He did not want to guard the prisoner, as much as it would benefit his skills in maintaining a prisoner and possibly attaining important information it still did not seem like a job fit for him.
Cross wanted to help transport the goods, he wanted to take charge with some of the arrangements and prove useful to the camp and its forces.

"Prince, here is the prisoner."
He sighed, "If I may, I'd like to take up the most difficult task there is to help out the camp. I do have what it takes; you can trust me and my loyalty. Whether it be assisting Halcyon or Glenstorm, I'll do it quick and effectively."

He stood quietly, awaiting his response.

[Prince Caspian]

A prisoner! Of all the things that they didn?t need! Caspian hadn?t any clue who he was going to set to watch the Telmarine, but he knew he was going to have to make that judgement call quickly. This was no time for tarrying over decisions that, while important, were not as important as the approaching storm. Because, as far as he could tell, they had maybe an hour to get out of the weather before things got quite disastrous.

Sir Cross hurried away and Caspian looked at Halcyon with a shrug. What in the world was he supposed to do with a prisoner!? He watched rather helplessly in the direction that Cross had gone, hoping the young man would be quick. He couldn?t stand there forever, but he certainly could just leave.

After what seemed like hours ? but couldn?t really have been more than a few minutes ? Cross returned pulling along the unconscious prisoner. The man looked oddly familiar at the moment ? though that shouldn?t have surprised Caspian. He had been the Crown Prince in his uncle?s kingdom, he should have known everyone. Still, he did not think much of it as he looked from the captive to Cross. Cross requested that he be allowed to assist Glenstorm or perhaps Halcyon.

Caspian, mind racing, nodded. ?Yes, yes, Halcyon, Cross, first check to make certain that our supplies are being taken into the tunnels. If that is already being seen to and handled appropriately, do the best you can to dig some trenches to lead water away from the camp. We haven?t much longer before things really start to get out of hand, so work as quickly as you possibly can. I?ll? I?ll figure out what to do with this one here.?

Surveying the task at hand, Caspian wondered how effect he would be in dragging the man along towards the tunnels. Probably not immensely effective, the more that he thought about it. He was decently strong ? but strong enough to get Adimon ?

Adimon?

That explained why he thought he knew the man! Stunned, he forgot the approaching storm for but a moment as he stared blankly down at the man laying rather awkwardly on the ground.

[Adimon Tescar]

If Adimon had been awake, being dragged a mile and then dropped unceremoniously on the ground would have been quite unpleasant. It was a good thing he had been unconscious, for when he did regain consciousness, he hurt enough already.

The King's Private Secretary awoke to find himself in a rather unpleasant position on the ground.  He was on his back, his head turned to the left. His arms and legs seemed like they had been flung about into a placement that would give him the least amount of comfort.  More than that, a rock dug into his back, his head throbbed and he felt like he had taken a bad beating.  He didn't bother trying to shift into a more reasonable posture. It seemed like it would take too much effort too move a limb.

Instead, he moved his eyes. Where was he?  He couldn't seem to remember how he had gotten to be lying on the floor.  Looking around, he saw he was in the middle of some sort of campsite. Tents stood in an orderly fashion, and he saw people rushing between them looking very intent on getting something done in a hurry. No not just people. Most of them were creatures that were very much NOT human. It was like something out of a nightmare.  Adimon's face crinkled in disgust. A few of them glanced his way before rushing on with their tasks, and the looks they gave him were not very friendly. He could not have told you why they didn't like him, but he knew he didn't like them either.

Somehow, he knew that there was an army camped here, but whose was it? And how did he get here? Trying to think back, Adimon just grew more confused. I don't even know who I am, he realized with a shock. He tried hard to remember something, anything, about himself -- his name, where he came from, what he looked like, what he did, how he got here -- but such intense thought proved useless in doing anything but increasing his headache. Ok, enough of that, then.  He'd just have to wait and see if any memory came back to him on its own.

A glance at the sky told Adimon that all the running about was probably in order to prepare for a dangerous storm.  For a second, he puzzled over how he knew that, but couldn't remember anything about himself. But then, brushing that thought aside, he turned to a more pressing problem. What was he to do now? An experiment in moving his legs sent a wave of pain crashing through his head.  Alright, that wouldn't work. He could try asking for help, but none of those people seemed especially inclined to help him. And quite frankly, he hoped the creatures would stay far away. So he'd have to figure out what to do on his own.  He would come up with something, he was sure.  First, he needed to see what else was around him.

That would require moving his head.  Well, he'd do it quickly then, and get the pain over with.  In one hurried motion, he turned his head to the other side.  He had to close his eyes for a few seconds from the searing pain, but he survived.  Opening his eyes again, he found someone standing over him.  It was a young man -- a soldier -- with a look of authority about him.  Adimon did not recognize him.  He looked somewhat shocked to see Adimon, and not entirely happy. But he hadn't killed Adimon yet, which would have been easy since Adimon was in no position to defend himself. And at least he was human. So maybe this man could tell him something.

The first words Adimon tried to form came out in a groan. He tried again. "Where am I?" It was said in a hoarse whisper, but at least it was intelligible.

[Paern Silverhoof]

Paern licked the last droplets of dew from a velvet green leaf, his large tongue wrapping around the vegetation but leaving it intact. He was not hungry, merely thirsty. He had been scouting around the general area for a few hours now, since well before dawn. As a unicorn, he was as obvious as a winged horse, his horn emerging into the pale half-light of the morning as a beacon of his strangeness. However, here at the camp, there was little to be afraid of, and so he carried his head proud and high when he walked. It was as day was winding in that the first tendrils of the storm were picked up by flared nostrils. Paern was not one to be picky with the weather, but as the steel grey clouds began to roll in, he wondered if perhaps he should back down from the wilderness and seek out shelter instead. With that thought solidifying in his mind, Paern picked up his white hooves and began a steady trot back towards the camp.

Hardly a beast of burden, Paern was no human either, and he saw no need to seek out shelter from one of their puny canvas caves that smelt horrendously stale after only a day of inhabiting. Instead he usually settled for a middle ground ? he would hover around the edges of the tent-ground; as far as possible from the stench but near enough to savour the safety they provided. Today, however, he paid no heed to trifling things such as bad smells. With the first waves of the storm hot on his heels, Paern danced into Aslan's How with a skittishness he was not accustomed to, and which he tried to hide with an aloof stare at anyone who so much as glanced in his direction. Still, even as he tried to quell his nerves, they got the better of him, and Paern squeezed between some of the tents, weaving slowly towards the middle of the campground. On his way he wreaked minor havoc ? kicking a pot here or there, knocking out a peg, fraying a rope with his horn as his head was tossed up and down in agitation.

As he got closer, however, he noticed a rather sinister display on show. A... Telmarian? Paern's snorts came out louder than ever, and he pranced to the side, all but squashing a tent (which quickly rebound once his bulk was hastily positioned elsewhere) before settling down to watch with a large, brown-eyed glare.

[Nikki!]

The smell of electricity was everywhere. Elba looked up, her brow beading with sweat. With one heaving motion she threw the last of the canvas tent towards one of the Giants who stood in an imposing ring around the frantic Narnians. She looked towards a small Nymph who was carefully carting away the bandages, salves and other supplies that had been nestled in the sick bay tent. Elba stretched, her muscles aching. She needed sleep, but that wasn't an option now. And who could sleep when a storm raged overhead. A few drops spattered on the girl's skin and she smiled.

"Milday?" a small rabbit asked in a loud voice "At the edge of the Camp, I believe there is a wounded human. His Highness Caspian is tending to him but I believe-"

Elba stroked the rabbit's fur and nodded, her resolve doubled.

"Alright. Tell Robien that I'll be over to help with the trenches as soon as I'm finished." she said, already leaving the scene "And thank you!"

With her bag in hand the girl walked around the chaos, trying her best not to hinder anything. The rain was getting stronger and out of the corner of her eye she was lightning flash. She quickened, knowing that they needed to have every man and creature to help that could. Whomever this was, hopefully she could get them up and ready to move. Any casualties were huge blow to the Old Narnians and as a healer it was one of her responsibilites to stave off those casualties as best as possible. She gripped the bag tightly and hoped that there would be a recovery instead of a burial. Her hair flipped in the wet winds and she bowed around a Giantess's leg, her eyes stinging with the wind.

"The Prince!" she called up through the gale "Have you seen-"

The Giantess pointed North and Elba saw him, half standing half leaning over the wounded man. She ran upward, already rummaging through her bag. But when she got close enough her resolve seemed to flutter away. This man was wearing the livery of a Telmarian, Miraz's own to be exact. She let out a hiss of breath and came to a hault her eyes wide with confusion and forboding. Why was a Telmarian here in the midst of an Old Narnian strong hold? And why was he laying listless on the ground?

Then he moved, very jerkily and Elba notice that he must have been in acute pain. She wiped the rain from her face and raised an eyebrow, waiting.

"Where am I?"

She looked to the Prince and gave a deep bow before smiling half heartedly.

"I would tell him your Highness but I'm afraid I might say somthing rude." she said softly "But I think I could tend to him without speaking."

She held up her bag and looked at Caspian questioningly. Elba was no monster but in any other circumstances she might leave the Telmarian to suffer. She waited...

[Prince Caspian]

There was a moment of stillness as Caspian stared down at the groaning Adimon, his mouth agape. What was his uncle?s advisor doing here? Of all the people who might have been sent off to spy, why Adimon? Wasn?t the man a little more valuable to the unlawful king than that? Caspian had always thought so ? though to send him off on his own was certainly a sign otherwise. Not that Caspian would go any easier on him, important to his uncle or not. He was a Telmarine, he was against him, and he was most certainly the enemy.

None of it made sense. That was the problem.

Adimon spoke, asking where he was and Caspian shook his head just as a young woman appeared at his side. She was carrying a bag and also looked startled to see a man dressed in Telmarine armour laying on the ground of a Narnian camp. And the clouds just kept rolling closer, shadowing danger over the group of them.

He nodded at the girl, giving her his permission to tend to the man. He could not very well let Adimon lay there and die, much as, at the moment, he would have very much liked to do so. Still, it hardly seemed right.

Motioning for one of the centaurs to keep watch over Adimon and keep him from causing any trouble or harm, Caspian stalked off to make sure that everything was going as it should. Just as he had instructed, tents were being taken down and hidden away from the strengthening gale. The heavy rain stung his cheeks as he hurried through the camp, pleased at how well the Narnians pulled together in a time of crisis.

This was definitely going to get interesting. Especially if the Telmarines weathered the storm better than they. If they lost too many supplies? they would be at the mercy of their enemies. Not a good place to be in, especially when at war.

His nervous pacing could not be stilled and he returned to the injured Adimon to see how things were coming along. Dismissing the centaur who had stayed guard over the man, Caspian took a deep breath and studied him. He was certainly glad that Adimon had not been able to cause any harm to Sir Cross, or anyone else.

What was he supposed to do with him now, though? Shelter him with the rest of the Narnians? But would that not endanger the lives of those who trusted him to lead them to victory? He couldn?t very well cause them any more difficultly than they were already facing. But he could not leave Adimon out to weather the storm in such a condition either. What was he to do?

He supposed he could always make sure the man was tied up well enough to keep from causing any harm, then send him back to Miraz when the storm passed. For while he?d like to send him away right now, there was no guarantee that he would make it back alive. Besides, who knew if they could get something out of him, or use him as a bargaining tool.

Adimon would stay. Perhaps this was a blessing in disguise. Caspian could only hope, as he watched the woman tend to Adimon.

[Nikki!]

She saw the worry in Caspian's eyes and tried her best to look more confident than she was. Elba leaned forward and tried to kneel down without making a total fool of herself. The hem of her dress was already soaked and she felt a shiver run down her spine. The weather was already bad. She needed to tend to the Telmarian and get him to sheltar so she could go on with her duties.

"Can you move your limbs?" she asked curtly "Arms? Legs? Anything?"

She bareley waited for an answer and pulled out her bandges, finding some clean at the bottom of the bag. His head was bleeding slightly and she quckly wrapped it, trying her best not to let anymore dirt or mud into it. The salve would burn a little, probably alot. But she felt no resmore for it. She recognized the man from her brief trip to Narnia, he was some sort of advisor to the King. Her heart skipped.

"A spy then?" she asked more to herself than anyone else "Maybe they should have picked one more limber."

She heard the Prince coming from behind her and turned, running a hand through her hair. The rain was picking up and she knew that this already injured Telmarian would suffer more in the gale and the element. She poked and prodded at his arms and legs, looking for breaks or fractures. His reflexes were fine and she thought he could walk.

"He's probably weak." she told Caspian through the howling wind "I think he can walk though. But we'll have to keep him dry, I think he already has a low fever."

She stood up, dusted herself off, collected her things and held a hand out to the Telmarian, her hair now soaking wet.

"At least try to stand."

[Claire]

<sup>Lirain watched the darkening sky with an apprehensive expression, lips set in a grim line as she secured the tent she?d been assigned to fix. All they?d asked her to do was patch up a tear that had somehow formed in the side of it and even that simple chore had proven to be infuriatingly difficult. Having lived in the wilderness for so long meant that one eventually forgot how to handle such things as needles and thread. It went without saying the task had taken her far longer than it should have and time had passed so swiftly she hadn?t noticed the dramatic change of the weather until a man?s frantic shouting commanded her attention and forced her to look up. She couldn?t see very much at first but when she raised herself to her feet the armour of the Telmarine man was easily recognizable, even at a distance.  Sparing a moment to gauge the intensity of the storm that the grey clouds promised, the redheaded Nymph grasped her tools firmly within her hand and strode quickly in the direction of the Prince, the girl and the wounded soldier.

The girl she wasn?t completely familiar with, but judging by the instructions she was giving and her brief examination it appeared that she was a Healer of sorts. The other boy who watched with a furrowed brow however she knew quite well; not personally mind, but one would have to have been living in a cave to have no inkling of who Prince Caspian was. In a way he stood as their saviour, the boy that would guide all of Narnia to peace and prosperity. Lirain simply could not bring herself to accept that he could so freely offer such salvation being just that ? a boy. She could not sense anything special about him. In fact ? from what she?d observed ? he preferred to remain in his tent a good deal of the time, planning and conversing with his scouts. What he didn?t appear to realize was that there were other less apparent factors he would have to consider before claiming a small victory, even if those factors came in the form of involuntary allies. She waited quietly for a verdict and then directed her attention to Caspian who appeared thoughtful and troubled. And as he should be, this was one decision she would not allow him to live down unless he gave a valid reason. The safety of the camp and the people that inhabited it were at stake, and having once been solidly associated with the enemy, it wouldn't bode well for him to begin treating them with kindness and respect. After all, they had done nothing to earn any such generosity.

Growing impatient, Lirain flicked a strand of hair over her shoulder and shifted her weight to her other foot. ?Kill him,? she announced coolly. ?He will only prove to be a liability. Perhaps the Telmarine will begin taking us more seriously if we show them that we can be just as unkind.? She did not wait for any sort of reaction, whether positive or negative. To be honest, she cared very little of what anyone thought aside from the Prince himself. It was he who wielded the power that would determine the fate of the man that lay before their feet. Though she was unaware as to what he had done wrong, he had stumbled into their territory and should face the consequences. One of their own wouldn?t have been treated any differently should the situation have been reversed. The sight of her mother wasting away spurred on her anger and resentment towards the humans that had overrun their land, and that was quite unfortunate for their captive. Again her eyes returned to the Prince?s face, gaze full of expectancy ? as though she were daring him to oppose her professed idea.</sup>

[Adimon Tescar]

Just as Adimon asked his question, a woman came up and asked permission to tend to him.  She obviously didn't like him, and did not answer his question. Still, as she began to work on him, he found that she knew what she was doing.  As she checked the extent of his injuries, he winced often, but clenched his jaw and did not cry out.  It hurt, but it would not kill him. 

"Can you move your limbs? Arms? Legs? Anything?"

Adimon tried, and discovered that his main problem was his head.  Everything else might be bruised and cut, but the only real problem he felt was that he had a terrible headache that got worse whenever he moved. So his main source of injury must have been a blow to the head, which would explain why his memory was gone. Once again, he wondered how he knew all these facts, but yet still couldn't remember anything about who he was.

No one seemed in any hurry to tell him any information either.  If this was an army camp as he suspected, then he was obviously a soldier in the opposing army. He heard the healer wondering aloud if he was a spy. Was he?  It didn't ring any bells, but it didn't sound wrong, either. He thought about asking them for more information, but decided it would be fruitless. If he were the enemy, they weren't going to give him any information about the camp.  Asking for any other type of information would probably be pointless as well. They probably wouldn't know much about who he was, because if he had been anyone of importance, they would have killed him already.

As she worked, the young man walked away, and a beast that was half human and half horse took his place.  So as he had guessed, the man was in some sort of position of authority.  Adimon closed his eyes, both from the pain and so as not to have to look at the centaur.  The fact that the creature looked half human made him only worse in Adimon's eyes; it seemed to be degrading to the entire human race to have a human head on such a body.

The healer finished working, saying that Adimon could probably walk but had a low fever.  Good, nothing too serious. She then asked Adimon to try to stand, and he  opened his eyes.  To his relief, the centaur was gone, and the man was back.  Grabbing a hold of the woman's hand, he attempted to get up.  The first try didn't go so well, and he flopped back down, trying to gain control of the pain.  He wasn't going to say he couldn't move, though.  If there was a storm coming, he didn't want to give them any excuse for leaving him out here. And he definitely didn't want them getting some creature over here to carry him. 

So he tried again. Using the woman's arm, he lurched into an upright position and leaned on her for support. She was surprisingly strong for a female.   Another voice spoke, and he looked to see another woman he had missed before. Well, I'm beginning to be quite popular, he thought sarcastically.  At her words, he simply gave a mental shrug, though he tucked the word "Telmarine" into his mind for later consideration, as that was apparently what he was.  The only thing that surprised him was that no one had mentioned getting rid of him earlier.  Since all of his strength and concentration was going into staying upright, he gave no indication that he had heard her comment. Easier that way.

Instead, he addressed the woman, his voice still not up to full strength.  "Thank you. I'm not sure how long I can stay up, though." Might as well be polite, since whatever he thought of their army, his life depended on their good will.  He toyed briefly with the idea of letting them know he had lost his memory, but decided not to mention it yet. It wouldn't change anything; he'd still be the enemy.  And right now, he needed all the strength he could muster if he was going to walk.

[Nikki!]

?Kill him,? she announced coolly. ?He will only prove to be a liability. Perhaps the Telmarine will begin taking us more seriously if we show them that we can be just as unkind.?

The voice startled her and she turned to see a pretty woman standing above them. She had seen the woman around the camp and seemed to remember she was some sort of half breed. She was beautiful, that much Elba could see, but he cold words shocked the girl. Elba agreed with her! She shook the thoughts from her head and let the man pull himself up.

"Killing him might not be the best idea." she said, eyeing the man suspiciously "I don't think we've seen half of what the Telmarians can do. A dead spy might mean a real scuffle. And with the storm coming..."

She paused and tried to steady the Telmarian. She could see he was in pain and the Healer in her felt deep pity, but the warrior in her felt nothing. He was a spy, he had been caught. In war that was enough for a death sentance. But this wasn't any ordinary war.

"Thank you. I'm not sure how long I can stay up, though."

She turned to Caspian, unsure of what to do next. Move him to sheltar and guard him seemed the best thing to do. But what could they get out of the Telmarian's with a spy to ransom? Her mind whirred and clicked with frantic speed but finally she decided she wouldn't try and make any decisions with strategy.

"To one of the trenches then?" she asked "Your Highness?"

[Prince Caspian]

He still didn?t know what to do with Adimon and he couldn?t help but wonder if he was crazy to let the man live. He didn?t seem like he really knew what was going on, but that could definitely be a trick. Caspian didn?t know Adimon that well, but he had seen the man around enough and knew that he was very high in Miraz?s ranks. Why he was here was still stumping Caspian.

Caught completely off guard by the striking young woman who approached and said, quite coldly, that they ought to kill him, Caspian?s gaze slowly moved to meet hers. ?Kill him, you say?? He returned, his own voice just as cold. Rolling his eyes, he turned his attention back to Adimon and frowned. Adimon was being helped to his feet by the woman who had come to his aid.

?Why should I kill him?? Caspian said, turning his attention away. ?Why should I stoop to the level of the very ones who have oppressed you for so many years? I will not kill him; he can be of use to us later.? He knew that he would suffer some criticism for this move, whether openly or behind his back but he did not care. Not only was he certain that they could get some information out of Adimon, but he could not stoop to murder. If they met on the battlefield, that was another story. But right now, it was his duty to assist ? though only in the barest of ways.

?We will not kill him, I know him, he is important to Miraz. He can be a bargaining piece ? we must just keep him far away from everyone else, and far away from our supplies.? Caspian glanced around with a sigh. ?He isn?t just a spy. He?s the advisor. Killing him would most definitely result in a scuffle ? or worse. We can?t just kill him ? no matter how much any of us want to.?

Looking pointedly at the young woman who had come upon them and demanded that they kill him without much warning, Caspian folded his hands behind his back. ?We must get him into one of the caves, tied securely and guarded. I wouldn?t desecrate Aslan?s How with his presence though I cannot in good conscious leave him out here to die. Who will take him, or must I do it myself??
 

[Eve Fairfew]

Golden leaves hung off of the branches of the trees, and dead ones littered the ground. It was indefinitely still, a fool could tell that, unless they were blind, and even then they would have been able to tell still from the chill. A storm was slowly enveloping the surrounding land, her home, much to Eve's unemotional reaction toward it, and one would have little trouble telling that it was upon the way.

Eve's nose was numb from the cold, as were her toes and fingers. Most people would describe the chill wind as that of something harsh and unfeeling, but Eve, internally at least, didn't think so. Cold maybe... indefinitely; but never harsh. Or maybe the cold just didn't affect her the way that it did to some of the other people in the town, as Eve had been born and raised in a somewhat chilly are, and was not completely oblivious to the weather conditions, though, as of the current, she might had seemed as an outsider. Yes, that might be it. She heard something from her far left, something that in all truth any normal human would not have heard.

With a glance over her shoulder, Eve ran a hand through her loose, dark hair, now hanging around her shoulders, surprisingly alive despite the humidity in the air. After a moment or so, Eve turned and walked slowly toward the speech that she heard from that direction. Moving fluidly across the ground, around the trees and shrubs that she came across, and in sight of a smaller group of people speaking. With a brief look of curiosity, Eve walked just to the end of them, completely silent, as though her footsteps had been absorbed by the earth itself. ?Take who?? she asked finally, having just heard the last few words of the conversation.

[Claire]

<sup>It had been the answer she?d expected, but that did not mean it pleased her. Glancing down at the young girl that was tending to the man?s wounds, she took a moment to examine his face. It looked weathered and he seemed confused, but she refused to be fooled so easily. Turning back to the Prince, she lifted her chin in a haughty sort of manner that would have been appropriate for a Lady of court and smiled bitterly. ?Is this how it is going to be in the heat of battle, Highness?? the word was obviously awkward falling from her lips and her scathing tone did not help to amend the sarcasm that lingered after she had spoken. It should have been apparent at that point her dislike for their leader.

?If providing adequate protection for your people is considered stooping to their level, I am convinced my opinion of you was not misguided after all. He is an enemy, and one that would not hesitate to kill one of our own should we have strayed too far from the boundary.? Her voice was hard but retained a strange sort of feminine quality renowned amongst such creatures as the Nymphs. ?Obviously he cannot be of that much use to Miraz if he managed to wind up lost, unaccompanied and as vulnerable as he is now. Either he did something wrong and was shunned by his people or it is a trap. Why else would he be here in this state. He won?t be of any help to us like this at all, and what makes you so confident he will provide us with the answers we need? If he is as loyal and highly-esteemed as you say, he will do everything in his power to remain true to his leader.?   Finished for the moment, she folded her arms and allowed the minute silence to fill the small circle of people.

None of them said anything, just looked on in curiosity with anxious expressions. The fact was Lirain knew some of them felt the same. One would be able to tell simply by their body language over the past few days. Nothing was certain except for the revenge they sought so desperately.

?You should not allow your former ties to these people to make your decisions for you.?</sup>

[Prince Caspian]

Caspian spun around at the sound of her voice, anger over taking him. As if they did not have enough to worry about! As if things weren?t difficult enough as it was! She had to go and be difficult, questioning his decisions and causing conflict among one another. What was she thinking? Well, he wasn?t going to let her get the best of him! He couldn?t afford to. Not now, not here.

?Honestly,? Caspian said coolly, glaring levelling at her, ?My opinion of you could be better right now too. Yes, he is an enemy. He is also a man, very misguided as he is. And, should I have met him on the battlefield, I would not show him mercy but I cannot leave him out in the middle of the storm to die.?

Shaking his head, Caspian crossed his arms and looked over Adimon. ?Look, my? former ties, as you call them, have absolutely nothing to do with this. How can I have ties to a people that turned against me, to an uncle that wanted me dead? Tell me how I can still hold them in any sort of regard, how I can have any fondness for any of them? I cannot. But I also cannot turn against what I think is right and I?ll not apologize for that either.?

Looking away towards the approaching storm, feeling the sting of the rain hitting his face, Caspian turned back to the gathering crowd with anger on his face. ?And I don?t believe there to be any danger to you, to our people, having him here. If I have to watch him myself, I will. But to argue over such things right now, when that storm is approaching? its foolishness!?

He could feel the frustration building up within him and he struggled to keep his cool. That wasn?t an easy thing, but it was necessary. He needed to not let this girl get the best of him or he was going to be in for some trouble.

?The storm is approaching,? he said slowly, coldly. ?Approaching rapidly and if we don?t get everyone into the shelters now, there are going to be a good amount of unnecessary deaths. Anyone who is still on the side of Narnia, and myself, I?d suggest getting to the tunnels, or the caves.? Glaring pointedly at the woman who seemed to like to cause trouble, he continued, ?Or, if you have a problem with how I do things, you can stay out here.?

Turning to the other young woman, the one who had been assisting Adimon, he gave the slightest of bows. ?While I am certain you hold great dislike for this man, as we all do, I thank you for your help. If you would assist me in getting him to one of the caves? Would someone else please bring me some rope??

[Nikki!]

In the short span of time a group had gathered around the injured man. Elba looked around the left side of her body going numb with the man's weight. He would be of no help to them if he wer to fall unconcious again. She shifted her weight and got a better grip on his arm, hoping she wasn't hurting him much. She mentally slapped herself. Showing compassion to the enemy was dangerous, she remembered that he was one of the people that, if he got the chance, would kill her and the entire Old Narnian force. She steeled herself, ignoring the discomfort.

?Take who??

Elba turned, spotting another creature human. She wondered how many beautiful women were running around the camp and smiled slightly. But as quickly as it came the smile was erased by a sudden clap of lightening and a gale of wind soaked rain. She turned against it, feeling it stinging her back. This was senseless, they would all catch their death in this. It was not warm rain, but the colr stinging kind that could bring the lung sickness she seethed with the thought.

"A prisoner!" she told the woman over the gale "A Telmarian found at the outskirts of camp. He's feverish and we need to decide what to do with him now. He'll be no good to us as dead weight!"

She said the last of this so the whole group could hear, but realized that Caspian and Lirain were already having their own coversation. She listened, eyes squinted in the rain. Lirain had no fear of speaking her mind to Caspian and anyother time Elba would have respected it. But in this weather it was madness. Her heart sunk.

?While I am certain you hold great dislike for this man, as we all do, I thank you for your help. If you would assist me in getting him to one of the caves? Would someone else please bring me some rope??

Elba breathed a sigh of relief at this and nodded her whole frame shivering with the weight of the man. She spoke.

"I would be glad to." she replied "A man who shows mercy to his enemies is a just man indeed. My Father told me that when I was a girl. That is why I will help you."

Elba paused and looked out at the gathering crowd.

"That is why we are all here is it not?" her voice was loud, even in the rain. She turned back to the Prince "Could you take his other arm Your Grace?"

She could tell Adimon was in pain and tried her hardest not to hurt him too much. She looked him full in the face to be sure we wasn't near fainting and then began the trek towards the caves. She had a feeling that a long night was ahead of them. Elba was alreayd exhausted...

[Eve Fairfew]

Eve listened as the other woman answered her question. Oh, there, she had been acknowledged. For a moment, she had thought that that weird thing had happened, where her voice faded in an out as the wind got harder or softer against the tree leaves? A prisoner? That was? new? well, then again, that probably happened a lot when she just so happened to walk in on a conversation, or argument as it seemed to be, that was already about half-way through with itself.  She nodded to herself as she listened to the woman speak. Feverish? ?Well, if you do not find him useful as dead weight, I am assuming that you intend to keep him well enough to interrogate later,? she said, though this was more to herself than anything else.

As the clap of lightning struck across the sky, and the fierce wind blew by, Eve could distinctly make out the sound of little footsteps hitting the ground, and she knew who it was almost immediately. Her six year old daughter, Prudence, rounded a corner between the shadows of the trees, almost materializing from nothing. Cain was holding one of her hands and stumbling along next to her, looking thoroughly confused, and her youngest, Jeb, was wrapped in her daughters other arm. But Eve knew, she had had that happen to her many a time before.

?Mum,? Eve heard her eldest say, tugging on the deep russet skirts that she wore that day. Leaning down, Eve took Jeb from her daughters arms and readjusted the blankets around him? ?I know, Prue, just stick with me.? She said with a slight smile, holding Prudence?s hand with her free one. ?And stay silent, my dear, there is business about.? She added as an afterthought, holding her daughter close to her as she watched the proceedings silently.

[Prince Caspian]

Caspian couldn?t believe that this had even turned into an argument. It was foolish, completely foolish, and dangerous. The storm was getting worse and here they were arguing over whether or not to kill a man? It seemed like an obvious decision ? why spill unnecessary blood? There was no point to it, other than revenge, and while Caspian would like nothing more than to take revenge on Miraz for killing his father, murdering others right now would do him no good. No anyone else for that matter.

? Could you take his other arm Your Grace?? The young woman asked, looking to him. He nodded, quite making up his mind then that he would have to find out her name to properly thank her later. And the girl who argued so forcefully, he would have to find out her name too. More so he could protect himself from her than anything else.

Taking Adimon?s other arm in order to relieve some of the strain from the woman who had been assisting him, Caspian. Turning to a woman he barely noticed before, but could now hear speaking ? though nearly to herself ? Caspian nodded. ?Indeed, keeping him alive is not all in mercy. I do not doubt that there is a good deal of information that we can get out of him once he?s a little more awake. And I?m also of the opinion that Miraz will pay a high price to get him back.?

Drawing in a deep breath, Caspian surveyed the remains of the camp. A good portion of their tents had been taken down, though a few still remained. They had been tied down in the hopes the storm would not blow them away ? though the storm had hardly approached and already Caspian was certain anything left out would not be there when they came out of their shelters. This was going to be a very bad storm indeed.

?We can spend no more time digging, or gathering!? He declared, shifting Adimon?s weight slightly so he had a better grip on him, with very little care towards whatever pain he might be in. He never said that he liked the man, after all. Caspian wouldn?t be surprised if he had been heavily involved in the plot to kill him.

?Retreat to the tunnels and the caves,? he said then, ?but first, make certain that everyone knows they are to get out of the storm, now. We cannot stay out here much longer?? Glancing towards the sky, Caspian nodded decisively. ?Spread the word, bring whatever you can while you go, but get to shelter, now, everyone!?

Easing Adimon and his helper around the trees and towards one of the forest caves, he wondered if anything else could possibly go wrong. With their luck, probably.

[KnightofNarnia]

Cross arrived to one of the caves, grunting in pain. His right arm bloody from the fray with the Telmarine soldiers.
He was protecting Roani and himself, it was foolish to take a slight stroll but it served well as he caught Roani's attention. By the looks of it all it seemed all the Narnians were being rushed into the caves.
He held his arm in pain and grunted, he knew he would need treatment and fast. From all the walking he had lost a lot of blood.

He leaned against the cave's inner wall, short of breath and tired. The storm was getting much worse, climbing to its inevitable climax.
He was supposed to be helping Halcyon but he was in no shape to do so, nonetheless he surveyed the progress that the dwarfs, centaurs, and humans were doing. All pitching in and giving it there all, but here he was having nothing but what little strength he had to give.

In an effort to help he washed what blood there was on his arm and tried to keep it hidden under a cloak. If anyone asked why he was wearing a cloak he would just reply 'To keep from getting to wet'. Clever, he didn't want to bother the others at this time with his injury, he had work to do and he was going to give it his all.

Within deep thought he reasoned, 'In my position I shouldn't be doing something that would be seen as physically demanding...I need to rest a little. I know what to do then, it would be wiser to survey the openings of all the caves and track the progress. Wise counsel will be needed depending on the state of things.'

So on he walked with a mask of seriousness to hide the face of pain underneath...

[lovelovelove2]

The girl watched as Cross held his arm to his chest, she was doing the same, but he seemed to be in more pain and grunted ever so often. She closed her eyes as she leaned against the mouth of the cave. The rain was coming down faster and making the ground a sloggy, wet mess. Opening her gray eyes, Roani saw that Richard was pulling a cloak over his shoulders.

She moved to help him, but the man started walking out into the rain. "Where are you going, Richard? His Highness called everyone inside the caves." She walked after him, not bothering to grab her own cloak. Walking beside the knight, the huntress peered at his face. She could see past his mask and viewed the lines of frustration and pain. With the knowledge and familiarity of how he was feeling, Roani knew Cross wouldn't really wish to talk.

"Thank you," was murmered to the man. Roani wished to express how grateful she was to him being kind and sweet and of course, for saving her life.

[KnightofNarnia]

Cross didn't say a word as Roani spoke, he was glad afterall that she was safe but his pain was what kept him preoccupied.

After a while he stopped walking. "Roani...long ago...I lost my father and mother to King Miraz...not something I want to talk about but...I want you to know that I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't defend you. I am not willing to lose anyone, especially those who bring me a sense of comfort...like yourself."
He smiled a slight bit and leaned over to hug her with his able left arm. Caressing her hair he disengaged, "You don't need to thank me...I'll always protect you."

He leaned closer to give a quick peck on the cheek and then backed away shyly.
Within an instant, pain gripped his arm, his face twisted in pain as he turned away.

[Claire]

<sup>Humans. Their misguided emotions and weaknesses left her feeling much disdain for the very mortal blood that ran through her veins, and yet she?d expected as much from the Prince. He was a foolish young boy and was proving as much by harbouring the traitor that now was being catered to the safety of the tunnels. Frowning deeply, she folded her arms and watched them vacate the area with frenzied haste. The storm would cause a great amount of damage, she mused, staring up at the omnipresent sky despite the chilled rain that stung her cheeks. The building electricity that ran through the air caused her to shiver involuntarily. Though she was not as attuned to the weather as she was the physical manifestation of nature itself, she could no doubt sense the severity that the winds spoke of as they lashed angrily against the tops of the trees encircling the barren camp. Glaring in disappointment at the backs of those that were retreating, Lirain moved to pack up the tent she?d been fixing and gathered any extra supplies she could carry on her own before striding after the group. She would have to wait to confront the Prince, one on one, where there would be no loyal witnesses there to spur on his ignorance.

Her lack of clothing was not especially a problem. Because of her magical inheritance, she had a stronger resistance in most cases concerning body temperature and immunity to illness than even some of her fellow creatures. It was why Nymphs were so often seen wearing little to nothing at all as they frolicked happily through the dense foliage of their woodland habitat in the midst of the autumn season. She trailed in the direction of the caves more slowly than the rest, taking the opportunity to revel in the relative silence and appreciate the beauty of the shaded land that surrounded them. It had been too hectic for her to do so earlier, and though she knew contributing to the cause of the Prince?s army was a good thing ? as much as she did not like him ? she was always experiencing a sort of homesickness that caused her heart to ache. War affected the innocent, it was a simple fact and an unfair truth many were forced to admit. She wished she could simply return to her clearing in the woods and spend her days lounging carelessly in the sun.

A gentle sigh emitted from between her lips then and she turned back to stare straight ahead, soon arriving at the mouth of one of the caves Caspian had mentioned, finding a spare place to stack the supplies she?d carried before moving just outside the entrance again, watching and waiting with a stern expression. If anyone had bothered to look close enough at that moment, they might have seen anxiety brimming those normally inquisitive blue eyes.</sup>

[lovelovelove2]

She stopped walking as he did. The rain was coming down at the same pace, but the drops were getting bigger.

"Roani...long ago...I lost my father and mother to King Miraz...not something I want to talk about but...I want you to know that I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't defend you. I am not willing to lose anyone, especially those who bring me a sense of comfort...like yourself."

Tears filled her eyes with a saddness that had left her unfeeling years aog. His word's brought back memories or at least memories of stories about her parents. Roani had never known them, only the tales and their names. She smiled through the tears to give Richard heart, to let him know he still had his friends and comrades. "I know what you mean."

She leaned into his hug slightly and felt his hand on her hair. Warm and gentle. "You don't need to thank me...I'll always protect you." His sweet words brought another smile to the girl's mouth. The man she had only known for a few hours was kind and giving.

Her face grew warm with his quick kiss on the cheek. Roani didn't know if it was from liking it or embarrassment. Either way, she caught a glimpse of pain on his face, but thought it better not to say anything.

[KnightofNarnia]

"I believe I've lost a lot of blood, I'm starting to feel dizzy..." He was tired, he knew he had to get the wound treated or else he'd lose more blood.
The wound was deep, bad enough to frighten himself upon looking at it.

"We'll head to the opening of that cave overthere", he pointed to the direction, "I believe I see someone over there, a girl I think..."

He abandoned the idea of helping out and tracking the progress, having done so he removed his cloak slowly and put it around Roani.
"We've got to move..." On they walked towards the opening of the cave.

[lovelovelove2]

"I believe I've lost a lot of blood, I'm starting to feel dizzy..."

Fearing that if he lost too much more blood he would pass out, Roani wrapped her arm around Cross' waist to help steady him. Mindful of his injured arm, the girl squeezed him in a small hug. "We'll just have to walk faster then, eh?"

She nodded at his mention of the cave. The new healer, Lirin was located there. Healing any Narnians that had gotten hurt trying to help during the storm. Making her feet move faster in the mud was kind of hard. The mud was thickening in some places and slick in others. She had to constantly worry about slipping.

Her shoulders took on new weight with the cloak Richard had placed on them. It was damp on the outside, but still retained its warmth on the inside. Nodding her thanks, Roani concentrated once more on helping the knight navigate the mud and puddles.

[KnightofNarnia]

Cross was thankful for her help; she was helping him around the puddles and through the mud. He was weak and couldn't fair so well on his own.
The rain was coming down hard and lightning began to flash with its thunderous roar menacingly close. It kept Cross awake and moving, he hadn't been injured this badly before, it was a circumstance he'd like to avoid the next time he'd enter a fray.

"If it's anything, I should be the one thanking you."
He smiled as he almost stumbled, "Not every day a girl steals the heart of a man with one quick sight of her."
Blushing red he kept quiet waiting for her response, whether it be good or bad he didn't care. He was being honest; not the time though for him to be sweet talking but he couldn't help it. It was a desire to do so with her that was well rooted and wrapped around his heart.

Looking up he saw who the girl really was at the mouth of the cave, someone who could provide the treatment he so desperately needed.

Quick glances to the sky he did take, looking at the ever growing dark sky with its taunting looks of torment. Winds were picking up and noises from the trees were sounding, it was not fairing well for he had not seen a storm quite like this in his lifetime.
He did though remember the storms in his childhood; his parents would always know what to do and how to take cover. If they were here they would have given them wise counsel, the reality though...they weren't there. He had to accept the reality, let go of the past...but a rage of anger still lived within him. A storm like the one they were in now still brewing inside of him, it will have to be let out sooner or later...

[Adimon Tescar]

Standing took so much effort. At first, Adimon tried to listen to the argument between the girl and the leader...who was obviously royalty of some kind, given that she addressed him as "Highness". Perhaps he could gain some useful information. At the name "Miraz", a wave of vertigo hit him, and he caught at the woman, holding on tight to stay upright.  But before he could latch on to the memories, they were gone, and he was left with no idea of who Miraz was or why the name meant anything to him.

Adimon's attention wandered in and out of the rest of the conversation as he fought to break through the cloud of pain clogging his mind. He thus picked up little else of use, though by this time he hardly cared. He just wanted them to finish talking and to take him wherever they were going to put him. But they still talked, their sharp voices sticking needles into his head. He wanted to yell at them to hurry, but he knew they cared little about what happened to him. He wasn't sure he could force the words out, anyway.

Finally, the leader grabbed his other arm -- none too gently -- and they headed towards the caves.  He was glad for the extra support. With each step, blackness pounded at the edges of his mind, threatening to overtake him.  He fought with all his might to push it back, and to keep putting one foot in front of the other.  Right. Left. Right. Left. One step at a time, for what seemed like hours.

At last they reached the caves, and they set him down in an unlit nook off one of the main caverns. Adimon sank gratefully to the ground, little noticing or caring when they bound him.  Finally, he could let the darkness close in...after one more thing. He had to tell them about his lost memory now, before they thought it just a ploy to avoid questioning, because then they might attempt to force him to give up information anyway. They still may not believe him, but he had to try at least.

"Before you go...you should know that I ...I appear to be... suffering from amnesia." He forced the words out as best he could. "I have... no clue.... who I am.... or... or how I got here." There, they should get the picture. Without waiting for an answer, he gave in to the pressing blackness and fell back, unconscious.

[lovelovelove2]

There was a particularly big puddle that they couldn't avoid. Roani took a few small steps and her foot slid out from under her. Letting go of Cross before she drug him down too, the girl fell into the mud. It was wet and squishy, disgusting to feel. She knew her face was scrunched up, "Ew."

Struggling to get up and out of the hampering mud, the huntress stood looking at all the mud on her clothes. "This is going to be murder to clean." She placed her arm around the knight's waist again and began walking.

"It's not every day a girl steals the heart of a man with one glance of her."

Looking at his face, as it grew paler and paler with the continual loss of blood. Though faced with that thought, she smiled at his soft words. Roani knew Richard spoke the truth and that scared her alittle. She had just met this man and though he was good and kind-hearted, she had never known feelings for another human. She had always considered everyone in the Camp a part of her family. But this man was different. Not trusting her words, the girl kept quiet.

Finally they had arrived at the cave. "Elba!" She left Richard leaning against the cave wall and went to fetch the healer. "Elba, please. Sir Richard needs your healing. Quickly."

[KnightofNarnia]

{We have until April 8th to finish this thread off}

Richard leaned against the rough cave walls, water and blood dripping. He heard the words of Roani pleading for assistance, to him it was simply fading away. He didn't want to pass out but it felt so good to him.
He was cold and tired, rest seemed appropriate.

His eyelids were heavy, legs yelling for support, arm in pain, and head throbbing. He was fading slightly, vision blurring consitently with each passing second. He kept thinking of earlier in the day, the girl's smile when by the river and the fight with the Telmarine soldiers. The feeling of rage when he thought of his parents, the fight where he gave what he had to protect himself and her. He had a lot to give to this camp and he didn't want to leave now.
He had his right hand on the rocky wall beside his resting face, with his ailing left arm he moved to remove his sheath from his waist and shield from his back.

Finally, with a quick flash of lightning by the mouth of the cave it all went black as he collapsed. Passed out...

[lovelovelove2]

A thump sounded as something big hit the cave floor. Roani was wondering what it was till she turned and looked. "Richard!" Leaving off her search for Healer Elba, the worried girl ran to her friend. She came near, dropped to the floor and tried to think of what to do. Check his pulse, you nit. she scolded herself. Her cold hand reached for his wrist and found the skin there chilled even her own. Fears that he might already be dead were pushed away as a faint pulse moved against her fingers.

Frantic to do something about the bleeding till Elba arrived, Roani tore a long strip from her tunic and tied it around his wound. It had worsened much since the battle, and the girl yet again scolded herself for not doing something about it earlier. Gritting at the pain in her own arm, she made Cross as comfortable as possible by gently laying him on his back and placing his head in her lap. Using her good hand the huntress applied pressure to the cloth that was soaking up his blood.

Roani knew that everyone was farther in the caves, so it would be hard for them to hear her yelling, she searched her brain for a way to get help. She couldn't leave Richard now, so she was overwhelmed with hope when she heard faint footsteps coming close. A dwarf appeared, "Please, Brother Yun. Please get Elba the Healer. Quickly!" The dwarf took one look at his friend Roani and the fallen Richard and ran back into the cave, calling for Elba the whole way.

The girl looked down at the knight's ashen face and tears sprang to her eyes. "Richard, don't die. Please. I don't want to lose anyone else. Narnia and Caspian need you. I need you." She whispered those words in hopes that they would reach him in his faint.

[Nikki!]

The storm was gathering strength quickly as Elba rushed along the puddle strewn ground. A casualty already and the storm wasn't even in full swing. her heart dropped. She had a feeling there would be many more incidents like this in the coming days, but for now she just had to focus on her task at hand. What had the man said? Cross? She thought the name familiar but couldn't place him. Luckily the sight of a pale, bleeding man at the entrance of the caves was clue enough. She rushed, her bag hitting the side of her body as she did so. Elba could tell from her spot, fifty or so feet away, that this was serious.

"Richard, don't die. Please. I don't want to lose anyone else. Narnia and Caspian need you. I need you."

The words tore at Elba's heart as she came to a hault. She skidded down to her knees, muddying her dress without notice. Her hands flew to her bag and she pulled out a string of clean bandages and the small bottle of salve for infections. The wound had already been exposed to mud and rain, it was probably alreayd infected.

"I'll have to carterize the wound!" she called in a rush "It may be too much pain for him. Hold his hand, help me restrain him if he moves."

She doubted the poor man could gather enough strength to even twitch, but she needed to make sure. If he moved she could lacerate his cut even more. Quickly she pulled a blade from her bag and covere dit in the salve. Soon the metal was piping hot with the stuff and almost as hot as and ember. She gritted her teeth, leaned forward, and presses the hot metal to his skin. She knew it must have hurt worse than anything she'd ever faced before and quickly removed it, confident she had burned out any infection. With deft hands she wrapped the wound in clean bandages and leaned back, feeling a bit better.

"Richard." she said softly, remembering what Roani had called him "Can you sit up? You must drink somthing, you've lost alot of blood."

She pulled out a long vial filled with a warm gold liquid. It was Elfen Ambrosia, worth a fortune. If he drank some now the blood loss might not affect him as badly.

"Coem now Sir Richard, drink."

[KnightofNarnia]

Snapshots of his childhood ran through his mind, his father and mother with arms open wide. It flashed back and forth, from the time he was with his father horseback riding to the time where he found out that they had taken him. His mother was kind and very gentle, she always cared for him and never allowed him to wander off. He wished his parents would come back someday, or that one day he may see them yet again. This was the hope he held, but none except Aslan could ease his pain, or even answer him with a solution that no other could come up with.

Words of comfort echoed to him, an angelic voice it was...he thought to himself who it could be. Quick blurred glances of a beautiful face, a girl who was young and kind, one who seemed to have an understanding of him unlike others. Her words reached deep into his heart, the part where she mentioned Narnia and Caspian brought back memories of where he was last. The words of consolement spoken were refreshing to the mind, the words of 'I need you' clearing his thoughts and bringing a sense of delight.

What seemed as a dream he saw a faun with a long red scarf around his neck, his face pale and shivering in the cold. His words were strong, "I believe...in a free...NARNIA"

In hearing this he felt a pain grip his arm as he wanted to yell but was not aloud to, something preventing him from excercising his vocals. He tried to move but no result, the darkness that surrounded him was slowly lifted as two figures seemed to be attending him. It was still much too blurred for him to see...

[LeoEyes]

The tempest outside raged with its pent up fury, dark clouds roiling and lightening flashing with jagged arcs. The pelting rain drenched all it hit, even Eboni?s fluffed up feathers and fur. The whipping wind did nothing to keep the rain from soaking her further and made flying dangerous, not to mention the flashing bolts of electricity. The gryphon dropped to the ground fast, even as the wind assaulted her again with its fury. Folding her ragged wings she touched down to the ground and crouched with her tail curled to her side. Fearful eyes darted this way and that for signs of somewhere to ride the storm out. Darting forward she took off across the ground, beak open slightly as she panted. Though the gryphon liked rain and watching the weather this was a bit too much, the electricity even hummed in the air.

Another flash of lightening and resounded boom of thunder caused Eboni to jump violently even as she mumbled to herself, ?bad storm, too bad.. have to find shelter yes..?

Ears pricked up as she crossed into an area that looked suspiciously like it had housed a sizable force. Nodding to herself she continued to run through the pooling waters. Glittering aqua colored eyes scanned the area and widened hopefully when she spotted a cavern like opening with her eagle like eyes. Perfect! Just what she needed.

With a joyful chirp she hurried to the entrance and zipped inside to skid to a halt with talon?s clicking on the stone and gravel floor. The gryphon dripped water heavily off her silky black and silver feathers and fur. Water ran down her beak and near her nostrils, causing her to snort slightly. Her appearance was worse that usual, feathers ruffled and sticking out at odd angles, mouth open as she continued to pant. Uncurling wings slightly she shook herself and fluffed up to keep the warmth in her body.  Eboni then blinked and then stared for a long moment, she wasn?t alone. She tilted her head, muscles quivering and tense as she blinked a the wounded man on the floor and the two woman.

?Ah ah.. hello..? she managed somewhat sheepishly though she sniffed the air thoughtfully. She shuffled her feet, talons clicking slightly in her nervousness, ?ah hm.. do you need any help??

?Humans but.. I smell others here. The Narnians?? her mind whirled hopefully.

[KnightofNarnia]

(I'm moving to next plot thread - Plot 2)

He felt something cool run down his throat, a liquid that refreshed his body and brought strength back to a reasonable state. His blurred vision cleared and mind fully conscious. "Thank...you..." He muttered with little breath.

He was still weak but he felt strength being regained within time itself. His right hand clutched the bandaged arm, it was sore and pain still shot through every now and then but he knew it needed time.
Roani was there attending him along with Elba, the healer of the camp. But not too far from them was a creature he hadn't seen for many years, a creature he admired for its great majestic elegance...the Gryphon. Its talons clicked at times, probably a sign of shyness he thought.
It brought a smile to his face, the great body and wings of the creature. It was a sign of splendour, to him a sign of hope.

Roani's hand was soft on his skin; he was slightly sitting up and half resting on her. She smelt good, her clothes soft although muddy, her warmth welcoming and comforting. He was going to pull through, for Caspian, for Narnia.... for her.

[lovelovelove2]

{Alright, since the problem of Richard's wound is done with. I've moved to "Cramped Quarters ; Part Two" Hm. I just went along and said we had moved the sleeping man farther into the caves. 
---If that's alright with you, Steven.}

[KnightofNarnia]

{   Yes it is    }

[LeoEyes]

((guess I shall go ahead and move on in to part two as well))