On the Road Again.

[shawncameron]

Killian switched instruments in a heat beet, the moment he recognized the song, coming in on an upbeat rather then right in the middle of a line. He was great full for her silence for his solo, as he had lost himself in the music and didn’t even notice her kindness until she came in at just the right time. He wasn’t sure if it was their training or the amount of practice time they have had together, or something just natural but the pair worked as a seamless teem.

Clapping filled the air again as couples held hands and leaned on one anther. Killian could not see this but he could feel it in the air. “my turn.” He winked up at Apricus, sure that she would forgive him for steeling the spot light for just one song.

It was not a well known song. Played at only one gather by one of Killians favorite Masters.

Well I've been waiting, waiting here so long
But thinking nothing, nothing could go wrong, but now I know
She has a built in ability
To take everything she sees
And now it seems I'm falling, falling for her.

She seems to have an invisible touch yeah
She reaches in, grabs right hold of your heart
She seems to have an invisible touch yeah
It takes control and slowly tears you apart.

I don't really know her, I only know her name
But she crawls under your skin, you're never quite the same, and now I know
She's got something you just can't trust
It's something mysterious
And now it seems I'm falling, falling for her.

She seems to have an invisible touch yeah
She reaches in, grabs right hold of your heart
She seems to have an invisible touch yeah
It takes control and slowly tears you apart.

She don't like losing, to her it's still a game
Though she'll mess up your life, you'll want her just the same, now I know
She has a built in ability
To take everything she sees
And now it seems I've fallen, fallen for her.

She seems to have an invisible touch yeah
She reaches in, grabs right hold of your heart
She seems to have an invisible touch yeah
It takes control and slowly tears you apart.

He bowed again as the people clapped. So fare they had done a good job keeping everything up beat, but this was a working Caravan and they would all have to retire soon. Killian couldn’t see most of the parents putting the younguns to bed or the yoning older members but his brother could. “how about something soft Apricus, put that show off in his place.”

[E]

Apri smiled, almost thankful that Xicon had called for a slower song. She was starting to tire like many of the others around the fire. Without a second though, she picked up one of her songs by her favorite composer. It was a song that could easily be accompanied by violin or guitar so she would leave it to Killian to choose. Letting her voice drop to match the mood of the song, but the intensity she kept behind the soft, gentle words was easy to hear.

The valley green was so serene
In the middle ran a stream so blue
A maiden fair, in despair, once had met her true love there and she told him
She would say
"Promise me , when you see, a white rose you'll think of me
I love you so
Never let go
I will be your ghost of a rose"

Her eyes believed in mysteries
She would lay amongst the leaves of amber
Her spirit wild, heart of a child, yet gentle still and quiet and mild and he loved her
When she would say
"Promise me , when you see, a white rose you'll think of me
I love you so
Never let go
I will be your ghost of a rose"

When all was done, she turned to run
Dancing to the setting sun as he watched her
And ever more he thought he saw
A glimpse of her upon the moors forever
He'd hear her say
"Promise me , when you see, a white rose you'll think of me
I love you so
Never let go
I will be your ghost of a rose"

[shawncameron]

Killian switched again to Violin and some how managed not to miss a beat at the pure sound of Apricus’s voice. Sowing a bit of unexpected versatility he plunked at the strings as well as used his bow in certain parts. Taking full advantage again of his solo he slowed down back to a soft whisper before Apricus finished the song..

Silence greeted this performance, their most beautiful yet until slowly the clapping started. It continued even as a man stood from the back of the small crowd across from the harpers, a smile on his face and his hands held out wide. “on be half of this Caravan I thank you!” he bowed to the harpers, as Killian nodded not knowing the honor bestowed on them in the leaders gesture. “But sadly I must order my men to bed, we have a long day tomorrow and I’m sure you too wish to meat your destination quickly.” There was a slight good natured moan as people began to stand, stretching and retiring. Some where amongst the younger people there was a cry for a lullaby, to more laughter.

Killian sat still even as Xicon stretched and patted him on the back. “Well I’m off to bed too.” Before he waved to Apricus and headed toward his wagon. Larina yound too, smiling over at her brother and then Apricus. “Me too I’m afraid. Good night.” She gave Killian a hung but missed Apricus as Killian had chosen that time to put his violin back down… between them. So instead she waved too and went stretching off to bed.

“I think I will play one more… you don’t have to stay up if you don’t want to… Apricus.” He smiled up at her mask gone as only she could see him, before he picked up his guitar and started a mournful Lullaby he had written a long time ago…

Out on the road
there are fireflys circling
deep in the wood
were lost so high
over the hill
there are men returning
trying to find
some piece of mind

Sleep my child X 4

out of the park
there are shadows to ring
dont be afraid
hold my hand
into the dark there are eyelids closing
buried alive
in the shifting sand

Sleep my child X 4

speak to me now and the world will crumble
open the door and the moon will fall
all of your life
all your memories
go to your dreams
forget it all

Sleep my child X 4

((Credit to Opeth))

[E]

Apricus… She heard her name and it shook her from her sleepy thoughts as she looked to the familiar voice who had said it. There was something about Killian saying her name that was… was different. He didn’t say it very often… In fact he hardly ever said it at all, preferring to use Mi’lady. It surprised her, and yet… it wasn’t an unpleasant surprise.

“I think I will retire… Perhaps I will be able to fall asleep to your song…” she said softly with a weak smile on her lips. She had been dreading sleep all day long with the smell and feel of the caravan around her to wake old memories. But perhaps… Perhaps the music would help… help her think of the harper hall that had been her home for so long now.

“Good Night, Killian…” she said in the same soft tone before turning to follow Larina to the wagon they’d share with a few other women.

[shawncameron]

Killian put his guitar down, alone now but for the occasional sentry wandering by to warm up on the embers. “Sweet dreams Milady…” he whispered staring unseeing into the embers warming his face. He sat longer, not wanting to move and not knowing where to go even if he did until a voice came from behind as well as a tap on the shoulder making him jump. “Now then sir, that’s bad for your eyes you know… oh… um….” The man was lost for words as Killian turned blank eyes on him, smiling mask back in place. “Thank you for the good advice Milord I will keep it ever in mind.” He winked teasing as he stood groaning and clutching his ribs with the hand not holding his instruments.

The sentry blushed not sure what to say until Killian spoke again, trust a Harper never to be shy. “Could I ask a favor of you sir? It seems my brother has retired without me and I don’t know where to go…” the man blinked at him for a moment before he under stood stuttering and leading the way. Killain shook his head still smiling, it was only the mans stuttering that told him where he was going. Once to the wagon the man peaked in saying only. “The empty one is to the right.. no no the left, I’m sorry, ummm I better go.” Killian waved him away removing his tunic and making the man blanch at the wrappings and scars before scurrying off.

Crawling slowly and gently into bed next to his brother Killian made sure to prod him hard in the ribs before rolling over to fall asleep.

[E]

Fear… cold… it was so cold… she hurt… why did she hurt… “Apricus!”… That voice was familiar… Who was that… “Apricus! Don’t you hide from me!”… Quintak… that voice… it was angry… she could not hide… the longer she hid… the worse it would be… “Apricus!”… rough hands… she’d been found… fear… pain… her face hurt… her arms… she couldn’t move them… she couldn’t run… she was caught… then the names came… useless… a burden… in the way… troublesome… disobedient…

The sharp pain of that hand that fell a second time on the child was felt clear as day to the women curled in the wagon. Eyes opening wide, she sat straight up as cold sweat ran down her face and the back of her neck. Carefully calming her heaving chest, she looked around to find the others just beginning to stir. Climbing out of the wagon, she stretched before walking to the back wagon where her belongings were.

Picking up her comb, she undid her long braids and brushed the unnaturally long locks, eyes unfocused on the ground. That day she sat in silence, only half hearing Killian’s occasional comment, but replying only half heartedly before staring into space again. His voice had kept the dreams away for most of the night, but it hadn’t lasted. If ever night would be like that, she was ready for the trip to end.

The sun was preparing to set in a candle mark or so when Apri’s eyes found focus once again on a random object, shaking her from her thoughts. Looking up at it, she realized that this time it was not some random stick or pebble, but a building they had just passed. A survey of the world around her chased the rest of her brooding away for the moment as she realized they were in the port hold of SouthBoll.

The wagons came to a halt before the docks and Apri slid carefully off the wagon, knowing very well her legs would not want to work after sitting for so long. Stretching, she was surprised at how quickly everyone was moving so few moments after they were stopped. Making a quick snatch for her bag and Killian’s guitar, she stepped back to the side that Killian stood not wanting to get underfoot.

[shawncameron]

Killian noticed, better then anyone, the change in Apricus and he didn’t like it. But concern had to be hidden behind his smile as always. He stayed by her, trying to keep the conversation light even when he knew she was not listening. He made a point of escorting her to bed every night, wishing her sweet dreams with a bow and a ‘milady’ but it seemed little would help.

He noticed it before the buildings came into view… salt… the ocean. He could smell it hear the cries of birds that never traveled to fare inland. Now it was his turn to remember, home, family… not all of the memories where happy as the most resent pushed themselves forward. He shook those away as his barowed stick hit the wood of the docks, its clunk warning him to the step up and the bump as the Caravan pulled its way up.

As soon as the wagons stopped Killian moved crawling into the back before the workers could get to it and pulling out a clean tunic to change into before moving to the ship. He was just clambering back out when Xicon approached them, looking quite funny as he tried to examine his own ribs… “I have a broose… how did that happen?” he was talking more to himself but it made Killian snicker even though he could not get the full effect of the look on his brothers face.

“Well we’re here!” He said holding his arms out wide and clapping his brother on the shoulder. “We will start the unloading you two go ahead and get situated on the ship. Its that one,” he pointed to the large travel galleon the trunks were being loaded into, “its name is Carina and it will be our home for the next seven day.” Killian nodded though he didn’t move, staring unseeing in his brothers direction, willing him to remember and do something without him asking. It took a wile and Killian finally had to clear his throat before Xicon said “oh oops… um… one moment Kil…” he spun in place looking for the nearest sailor heading for the ship before he found one with a “Ha!” he taped a young woman on the shoulder, “good day, Milady, are you with the Carina?” he didn’t wate for an answer as he lead her to his brother and Apricus. “These two are guests from the Harper Hall, could you show them around?”

[dragonshadow58]

Ayala’s hands where full as she headed back to the ship with some of the heavier things one person could carry when she was pulled aside by a large man. She did not protest but followed him looking the two Harpers he failed to introduce over. “of cores… if you would follow me…” her voce was low, depressed as it always was when she was in port. She took a few steps closer bowing as her hands where full, “my name is Ayala it is an honor to meet you…” her mind raced to her own Harper training… she could have gone to the hall… if she had just been a little better.

As she raised from her bow she was taken slightly aback by the look of the man before her. He was handsome and smiling but “blind…” she blushed when she realized she had said it out loud, “oh I’m sorry… um… you could… here hold my shoulder.” She turned her back on him her right shoulder just in front of his grasp. When she felt his had there, she began to walk slowly to the ship keeping an eye on the man as well as the purity girl with him. “is this your fist time on a ship?”

Ayala would be purity even with her messy bun, loose sleeveless shirt, or bare feet, if it wasn’t for the fact that she was obviously trying to seem happy when it was impossible as long as she was on land.

[E]

Apri had been watching the birds above the masts as well as the sun dancing on the water, water that went as far as she could see. Mouth slightly agap, she had almost been left behind in her amazement of the place. Sure she’d traveled a lot as a child, but it had always been inland. This… this was amazing. Never before had she expected something so massive…

Hearing the woman’s voice, she took a look at her for the first time. “Yes…” she said, closing her mouth quickly as she realized what she had been doing. Head down so she wouldn’t be distracted, she followed the two silently keeping her bag and guitar hugged tight against her chest.

[shawncameron]

Killian shook his head in disbelief at his brother. But he smiled at the woman, expecting and looking over her initial surprise. But as she offered her shoulder it was his turn to be surprised, she knew exactly what to do whether it was on purpose or not. Nodding gratefully he took her offered shoulder, resting his hand lightly on it and using her movement as a guide. “it is a pleasure to meet you Milady, my name is Killian and this is Milady Apricus.” He smiled at her in her surprise, he didn’t need to see her to judge her silence or her tone when she did say the one word. “This is only my second time… and it has been a long time…”

The woman led them up the ramp and Killian had to stop after stepping aside for Apricus as the ground moved under him and he had to grab the rail momentarily. It was his turn to blush as he tried to get his sea legs before they had even set out…

[dragonshadow58]

Ayala said nothing to their replays merely nodding at the introductions as she moved smoothly up the gang plank. She handed her burden off to one of the cabin boys as he ran by turning with a much more real smile to the two harpers. Her hand went up to hide the small laugh as she saw the man.. Killian reach out for the rail blushing. “Don’t worry you’ll get used to it soon enough. How are you doing lass?” her accent was heavy and spoke of the sea and of Tillik her home hold. Her change in mood was evident as she rested a reassuring hand on Killians back, still hiding her own smile.

“oy! Ayala!” a gruff man even bigger then Xicon broad in chest and hairy all over made his way to the three. “what you doin’? showing these Land lubbers around!” is laugh was more like a bark as he clapped Killian on the other shoulder nearly sending him flying into the rail. “Well you do that; you shouldn’t be lifting any of this stuff anyway.” He patted her not much more gently on the back as he bent to give her a whiskery kiss on the for head before moving off walking easily on the swaying deck.

Ayala just shook her head, “that is Ucron… are you ok Killian? He doesn’t know his own strength some times…” she was much more comfortable around the men, then the women though she continued to smile over at Apricus, taking in her long dress, Ayala wouldn’t be caught dead in a dress.

[E]

Apri had almost thrown her arms out wide when the wood beneath her moved. Remembering the bag and guitar clutched tight in her hands however, she decided to spread her feet a little farther apart instead, bending her knees slightly as her eyes turned wide out of surprise rather than amazement.

That surprise stayed apparent as the giant form of Ucron moved toward them. Quickly stepping so that Ayala and Killian would be between her and the man, her mouth fell open as the man hit Killian rather hard on the shoulder then turned to kiss the woman sailor. Watching the man leave, she found her voice again.

“I’m doing okay… does it always move like this?” she asked without turning her eyes to the woman, instead they were left on Killian as she almost winced remembering his discolored skin beneath the shirt… that hit must have really hurt…

[shawncameron]

Killian should have expected the ‘pat’ Xicon had done it enough since they had reunited but… he didn’t and lunged forward managing to catch himself somehow. He smiled good naturedly however and even chuckled at Ayala’s comment, “I noticed but that’s ok…” he rubbed his shoulder glad that the man had hit him there and not on his back or ribs.

His smiled was warmer as he turned it to Apricus glad that her voice had changed a little for the better since they had gotten off the road. Noting their guides past silences he answered for her. “I’m afraid so Milady, but I’m sure you will get used to it soon… we need to find our, what are they called? Sea legs?” he arched an eyebrow in the general direction of Ayala actually staring just over her shoulder.

[dragonshadow58]

Ayala couldn’t help but smile at the mans grin, he really was a tough one… and he had a way about him, a way of making everyone ells happy. It was a good thing she was just sorry she couldn’t be more cheerful, that wouldn’t come till they had cast off. She did try to smile though, “he’s right but don’t worry it has a natural rhythm too it… not unlike a slow song, Harpers should have no trouble after a few hours. Though…” she looked out to sea and the clouds looming there, there would be no sun set for them this night and Ayala’s mood dropped a little more though not as much as when she was on the docks. “it might get a little choppy latter but once you have the original movement it shouldn’t be too hard to get used to the slightly faster one…”

She stood silently for a moment staring into the distance before she remembered she was supposed to be showing them around. “Oh I’m sorry I’m supposed to take you to your rooms!” she blushed and immediately began walking to the portal leading down into the bowls of the ship, moving if anything more smoothly then she had before when the ground was not moving, but just as slowly. “Everything you need to worry about is down here. The galley is through the farthest door to your left and the bathroom the farthest too your right.” She pointed as she walked looking over her shoulder and around Killian as much as she could to make sure the woman could hear her.

[E]

“Sea Legs?” she asked, completely puzzled as she followed the two down into the ship. It was strange, to think that they were surrounded by water down there on all sides but the one above them. Apri wasn’t sure she liked the idea, but she did not complain. That wasn’t any point in it as it was the only way to Ista.

Listening to the woman, Apri tried to look around Killian for the doors at the same time the woman looked around him. Finding her face rather than a hallway, she blushed and smiled before pulling her head back behind Killian. Well… she’d look for the doors later.