Do We Ever Truly Know Why the Caged Bird Sings? (Closed)

[Paige]

Christine jumped when she heard the screams of a few women outside. It was obvious to the Baroness that someone had been defeated, if not dead. Biting the nail of her index finger, she cautiously made her way to the opening of the tent and pulled back the flap just enough for her to catch a glimpse of what was going on outside.

Although her view wasn’t the greatest, she couldn’t tell who the body lying upon the ground belonged to and so she leaned her head out just a tad. Gasping, Christine clasped her hand over her mouth at the horrific scene. Relief washed over her when she saw Romano standing and breathing, but waited in fear for what would happen next. She didn’t like the fact that someone had been killed all because of her, or perhaps more so her wretched husband, but if Romano hadn’t of stepped in, she knew that she would be the corpse lying upon the ground.

Luvinia caught sight of Christine peeking her dark head out of from the tent and quickly joined her side, “My lady, I will never believe what my eyes and ears have just witnessed. It is advisable that you return back to the estate. Shall I arrange for your safe return? I know that your bodyguards will be back at any given moment, and they would agree with me.”

Christine didn’t answer the portly woman. It was ridiculous to even think that she would be safer back at the estate. Especially, when the Baron returns from his little trip. Turning on her heel, Christine went back inside the tent and sat down upon the small bed. At this moment she didn’t know what to do with herself, but she knew one thing. She was very grateful to the man who risked his life for her own.

"Give me a minute......to think," Christine said, now cradling her face in her hands.

"You are wanting to think while the Count himself probably set all this up just to kill you in order to get to the Baron?" Luvinia questioned, now looking away.

"If he wanted to kill me, I doubt he would have killed that man outside," Christine replied lazily, "And as I recall, you are not to question my decisions. Do not forget your place, Luvinia."

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

Outside the two men exchanged glances that probably would have killed lesser men. Then the Duke bowed to the Count. “No my Lord, my son did act on his own. I beg for my Lords mercy and approval to remove my sons body.”
Gasps went through the crowd as many knew that this meant that the Duke was not strong enough to challenge the Count.. The Count nodded and said “Well, this is a party, so we should all enjoy ourself. Still my condolences with the loss of your son.” With a louder voice the man resumed. “Let everybody enjoy themselves, I pay the bill. Just to prevent a situation like this I proclaim the following. The Baroness is my guest, even though her husband is our enemy. For me I will treat her with utmost respect and I demand that everybody else does the same. It shows that we are the better.. BUT just to be sure I shall order that the tents of the Baronesses and her servants shall be moved near those of mine. AND they shall be surrounded by my personal guards..” He bowed. “I return to my quarters now.”
Romano walked back to his tent followed closely by some guards and women, seconds after he entered the tent he collapsed.

One of the servants was quickly dispatched to call the doctor. Struggling the Count told the captain to ask the Baroness to allow her tents to be moved closer and invite her for dinner.. then he surrendered to the women's attention.

While the man left to do his duty the women nodded to each other and sighed.. men !

[Paige]

When the captain of the Count’s guards had come to the Christine’s tent, Luvinia was reluctant to let him pass, “What business do you have you with the Baroness Itul?”

Hearing the aging woman’s voice and a man respond from outside the tent’s opening, Christine rose from the bed and made her way to the opening, “You may tell your Count that I accept.”

Wide-eyed, Luvinia turned to Christine and responded as the captain bowed and walked away, “My lady, I hope you know what you are getting yourself into.”

“I know that I would be getting myself and my husband into worse if I declined the Count’s invitation,” Christine replied, scanning her surroundings for any watchful eyes and then leaned in closer to Luvinia and whispered, “You never insult another by declining such a thing. Especially with what just happened moments ago. It is my wish to keep peace between the houses.”

“Infact, you insult me by questioning my decisions,” Christine hissed, “I doubt my husband would have any problem replacing you with someone who knows their place. Now, I will be under the watchful eye of Count Romano’s guards, I want you to go in search of Trista, Sarai, and the others. They have been gone far too long.”

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

With the approval of the Baroness the Counts guards surrounded her tents while servants took them down and moved them very...very close to those of the Count. Romano, much to his frustration was unable to go out of the tent and oversee what was happening because a doctor kept on telling him not to move while he has stitching up his wounds.

Most of the women had left now the stubborn man was in good hands. Music and the noise of the party already started to fill the air again, now everything was back to normal and people started to enjoy themselves even better fuelled by visions of blood and excitement.

[Paige]

Christine brushed through her long, caramel colored hair slowly, humming along to the cheerful music outside of her tent. She had been quite alone ever since she had ordered Luvinia to go off in search of the two other hand maids and guards. However, the Baroness was enjoying the peace and quiet so much that she didn’t even care that they had come back yet. They were probably off getting drunk somewhere or wishing that she were dead at the hands of the Count or one of his men. With a mental shrug, she placed the heavy, silver brush on top of the vanity and stared into the mirror unseeing. Christine wished for nothing more but to rid herself of her title and loveless marriage.

The Baron would be home in a few days, and Christine was to be expected back at the estate a day before his return. The vile old man would no doubt expect her warm body in his bed the night of his return. Shuddering, the young woman nearly vomited at the thought. It was when this image came into her mind, that she pictured Count Romano in place of the aging Baron. Shaking her head, Christine cursed herself.

That is an inappropriate thought all in its own, she silently scolded herself. But the image of her in the Count’s arms still remained fresh in her mind, no matter how hard she tried to think of something else. This was a very dangerous thing she was doing by being here. And it wasn’t over security reasons…no, it was much deeper than that.

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

Romano grumbled, the wounds were hurting and he was still full of adrenaline after the fight. All the people had left, except for a servant waiting at the entrance. The man was dubbing if he would do something foolish or not. He thought about Christine's smile and made a decision, it would not really make his life more dangerous as it already was.

Turning towards servant he asked her to bring enough food and wine to the Baroness so she could enjoy the party without having to leave her tent... He also said that he would to sleep and did not need her services until the next morning when he would be better.

When the woman left he extinguished the candles and took a good bottle of wine from his own stock. Walked to the back of the tent and wiggled his way out. A quick move and a soft grunt of pain and he could touch the other tent.

“Christine..” the man whispered. “Mind to share a bottle of wine ?”

[Paige]

Christine graciously accepted the food and wine from the servant and thanked her accordingly. After a few flickers, she heard a familiar whisper outside of her tent. Gulping, she turned and stood up from her chair, walking over to where the voice came. With a smile, Christine smoothed out the wrinkles in her simple red, dress and asked, “Romano?”

“I would like the company very much,” she grinned, “But won’t it arouse suspicion if you are found in my tent?” After the question left her lips, Christine started to realize that didn’t care. For some reason unknown to her just yet, she had to look into those piercing green eyes once more.

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

Romano smiled at the answer, checked if nobody was looking and crawled into the tent. Rising from the ground he replied softly “Well, then we better make sure that I am not found here. For the better of the world I am, and will be sleeping in my tent. Recovering from my wounds.”

He searched and found the means to open the bottle of wine, so he did. Filling up a glass and presenting it to Christine. He himself, would do it the old barbarian way, drinking from the bottle. To many eyes in this camp could read traces left behind. It was also fun to forget decorum for a while.
“How do you feel ?” he asked after taking a sip.

[Paige]

Accepting the glass of wine Romano offered to her, Christine smiled softly and took a sip. She had to admit, it was nice to have company other than servants and guards. Making her way back to the vanity, she sat the glass down and took a seat, “Please, have a seat. After all, I am sure you could use the rest.”

“How do you feel?” he asked after taking a sip.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t still a little shaken up,” Christine replied carefully, “However, for what you did out there, I am most grateful and forever in your debt.”

“What about you?” she asked with a concern filled voice, “How are you feeling?”

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

Romano smiled and accepted the seat, happy that he could sit down, his body did still hurt. A other sip of the wine made sure that the pain was easily to bare.
“Well, I feel a bit sore.. nothing that will not heal in time for the next problem occurs. And Christine, I wish I was so noble as you make me. Lets face it, if I would not have stepped up some people would consider me weak and death would follow quickly.”
He took a new sip of the wine.

[Paige]

Sighing sadly, Christine felt like it was her fault for what had happened and what could have happened. And perhaps, it was. She knew that she should have never accepted Romano’s invitation out to the beautiful countryside. Whatever she was thinking at that time she knew she shouldn’t have. All of this was entirely selfish on her part. The Baroness started to wonder if it would mean trouble when she returned to the estate. After all, she wasn’t even sure if her husband would believe what she sent Annabelle to say on her behalf. No, Christine didn’t want the Count dead, but in order to ensure that she would come to no harm she had to come up with that lie. It was a horrible lie at that, for she realized more and more as each burn passed that she was quickly falling for Romano. Such a dangerous game.

With a weak smile, Christine looked away from the handsome Count, “I don’t want to be the cause for anyone’s honor to be at stake, especially their life. However, I guess it is plain to see that my husband is the cause of all of this, and I only make things worse by being here. Perhaps I should go?”

Not waiting for a response Christine turned her amber eyes back to Romano’s, “I was foolish, and for that I endanger you and I endanger myself.”

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

Romano laughed softly.. “Well that makes two of us then, two foolish people. Still I don't want you to go, because I enjoy your company and the danger it brings does not add to the danger that my life already contained.”
He filled up her glass once again. “No seriously, you should not worry so much about me as about your self. The Baron is going to try to get rid of me and those how support me just to gain control over the country.”
He took a new sip of the wine, under while noticing that it started to take hold of him, he should return to his tent.
“I should return to my tent. Otherwise I end up kissing you and getting you in serious trouble.” he more or less joked while rising up. “So I shall be a gentleman and remove myself leading you out of danger. Ill invite the Baron as well tomorrow, so as soon as two days from now he will arrive. I give him a good reason to come and you the credits..”
The man bowed to the lady. When he rose up again he saw the amber eyes again and concluded that a man could lose a kingdom and do not care less about it.

[Paige]

Rising from her chair, Christine’s face grew extremely hot as she replied, “I wish you wouldn’t go, but I understand perfectly if you must. I am in trouble being here already. Even if Gerrard plays it off for now.“

Smiling sadly, Christine turned her back to Romano, looking at his reflection in the vanity mirror. There was something about him that was pulling her in with each passing burn. Why she couldn’t’ take her eyes off of him, she wasn’t too concerned with anymore. There was something there. Something was starting to form within the young woman. Almost like millions of butterflies swarming around in fury. Grinning, Christine ran a hand through her long, dark hair and sighed, wondering what it would feel like to have his lips pressed against hers, “Well, if you must go then I hope that you will rest well. After all, if tomorrow is anything like it was today I am sure you will need it, hmm?”

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

Romano laughed softly, and admired the moves of the young woman. He also wondered how her lips would feel against his, life as such was strange. “Well, if you give me more energy with those smiles I probably have enough to go on without rest for a long time.” The Count suddenly realised that, these words could be very very wrong.. “Ummm, in a positive way.. I mean..”
He took Christine's hand and kissed it softly. “Your always welcome in my tent.” wrong words again.. “For a chat or a drink..” He hastily added while he started to laugh again. “Christine, it seems that all the words that come out of my mouth have a double meaning.. Still I just want to say that I like you ver much, and I would appreciate if we could be friends. Even though that's a difficult option now looking at the circumstances. You will be welcome if you need a place to stay, anytime.”
He bowed and quickly made his way back to his tent. It was a long time ago that he had sneaked in and out tents like this.

[Paige]

Christine blushed at the Count’s words as she watched the man exit out of her tent. Blinking, she stood in silence pondering the man’s words. He obviously wanted her to come to his tent, but should she go? Of course the mere thought of Romano wrapping his arms around her was an inviting thought all in its own, but there would be consequences should she act on impulse and go. Consequences that could cost the two of them their lives should either of them be caught in each others’ presence alone. Especially, ones sleeping quarters.

With a sly grin, the Countess took another sip of wine, which was now started to take control over her actions and quickly extinguished the candles that dimly lit her tent. Placing the empty goblet upon the vanity, the young woman grabbed a dark, blue silken cloak and wrapped it around her body, as well as pulling the hood up over her dark head. Would this be a mistake?

Ah, who the hell cares… she scolded herself silently as she made her exit out of the tent the same way Romano did only a few burns ago.

Taking in her surroundings, Christine was pleasantly surprised to see that no one had noticed her. With a hesitant stare at Romano’s tent, the young Countess took in a deep breath and whispered just loud enough for the Count to hear if he was in earshot, “Mind company?”

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

The answer was as soft as the wind.. "Off course.."

The side of the tent was lifted to let Christine in, and a hand guided her to a chair inside.
Candles lit the place but the count made sure that she was shielded so nobody could see her.

He placed a finger on his lips with a smile and left the tent for a moment. Outside she could hear his voice asking "Why do I don't hear loud music is this not a party ? Get more music, and wine ! I expect a battle of music and the one who wins gets ten gold crowns ! You, you and you are the judges...." His laughter could be heard and he returned.

"So now we have all the cover we need..." he said with a smile.. outside a explosion of sound started...

And the man dimmed the light.

[Paige]

As the Count dimmed the lights, Christine couldn't help but grin at the handsome man. Gazing at him, the young woman cleared her throat, as her heart started to pound against her chest, "What you said back in my tent, did you mean that?"

Brushing a piece of hair back behind her ear, with a shaky hand, Christine looked the opposite direction and continued, "That you would probably end up kissing me?" The mere thought of Romano kissing her sent chills down her spine, and for the first time, she wasn't even thinking about what the consequences would be.

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

The counts head turned towards Christine with a soft smile with a touch of sadness..

"Yes, I mean that." he said. "Diplomatic words only bring us so far." A quick step brought him in front of the woman and he reached out his hand softly brushing her cheek

Her skin was soft and smooth and Romano was struggling with the facts that this was a dangerous game and if they would lose they would pay the ultimate price and many with them. Still, he was sick of being lonely and the eyes watching him had changed his life already.. he was willing to pay the price.

"Life is strange sometimes... You can find something you never knew you where searching for."

[Paige]

Christine turned her head and looked up at Romano as his hand softly brushed her cheek. Placing her hand over his, the blushing Baroness slowly came to a stand, facing the tall man. A small voice inside her head told Christine that this wasn't right, that she should just leave this place immediately. While an even bigger voice told that other one to shut up.

Smiling softly, Christine found herself lost in Romano's gaze and asked as she gently squeezed his hand, "If you meant what you said, then what are you waiting for?"

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

Christine's words called forth a storm of emotions inside the count. For a few moments he questioned his own intentions before he bent over and his lips touched hers.

His arms embraced her slender body and pulled her as close as he could. What ever would happen he would pay the price.. he had not choice, love had taken away choice and replaced it with something new.

His lips searched for hers with the force of a starving man who finally found food. For the first time in his life he felt... complete and not alone.

A odd feeling for the second loneliest man in the kingdom... the first.. well he was the husband of the woman now in his arms.

[Paige]

Maybe she had, had far too much wine for her own good and that was the cause of what was now happening, or maybe Christine truly felt something for this man. Whatever it was, she would not question it now, as time quickly melted away into nothingness. Christine's body began to tremble slightly as Romano pulled her close to him, the two of them kissing like there would be no tomorrow. For all the woman knew, there may not even be a tomorrow and with that thought in mind, Christine threw all of her cares away and lost herself in this swoon of peace, wrapping her arms around Romano's neck.

Come what may, she thought to herself with a mental smirk, not even aware of their surroundings anymore.

As what seemed like many burns had passed, Christine suddenly broke away from their kiss, staring at Romano with wonder. With her breathing quickening with each and every moment, she wondered to herself, "Why does this feel so right?"


With a soft smile, the dark haired woman placed a hand upon Romano's cheek, rubbing it gently with her thumb before jokingly responding, "Forgive me, it seems that I had to come up for air."

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

"Forgive me, it seems that I had to come up for air."

Her words made the man smile while he looked in her eyes. A light shone in those eyes and he knew he was lost, he had found what he had never know that he was searching for it. He was also a realist and knew that war was now inevitable.

Lord Abical would be pleased, he would get his war.. but for all the wrong reasons. A kingdom would be ripped apart and all for the love of a man for a woman.

He stroked Christine's hair while the thoughts passed his mind.

"If you wish you can stay.. not only tonight but for ever.." he just said.

[Paige]

Christine watched Romano smiling down upon her, their eyes locked and for a moment, she wondered what was going on through his mind. Every bone in her body ached for a happiness that for so long she believed it to be a hopeless case. Now here, could what she had always dreamed for finally be standing before her? The Baroness so desperately wanted to find out. Taking in a deep breath, she watched his lips move as he spoke.

"If you wish you can stay... not only tonight but forever...”

Smiling at his words, Christine’s amber eyes glanced to her left hand which rested softly upon the man’s shoulder and her smiled faded. The meaningless golden band she wore around her finger emitted a dull glow as the light from a nearby candle hit it. She didn’t love the Baron, and she knew that he didn’t give a damn for her either. If it meant having more land and wealth in exchange for her life, Christine knew that her husband would see to her death immediately. Either way she went about things, her fate was sealed. Now if the Baron were to find out about the on-goings between she and the Count, it would not only be her head, but the head of so many more.

Thinking things over carefully, she knew that she didn’t want to die as some sort of caged bird, and if it was selfish of her to feel this way, then she didn’t care anymore. However, there was a thought that plagued her more with each passing flicker and that was the worry if Romano would only be using her to get some sort of payback against the Baron. The Count has countless women flocking over him anyway, and he could have anyone he desired, so what made Christine so special?

With a sigh, Christine took a step back as the wine started to lose its effect over her mind. Turning her back to Romano, she smiled sadly as she stared unseeing at the cloth wall before her. While she had no desire to leave this man’s tent whatsoever, she had a question that needed an answer before she could succumb to the passion stirring within her.

“It would be foolish of me to come with you when my sister’s life would be at stake regarding my absence,” the brunette spoke softly, keeping her back turned to Romano, “Tonight…well that’s a different story.”

Smirking softly at the thought of his lips against hers, Christine closed her eyes wishing that it would happen again, “While you could have any woman you desire, you ask of me to stay with you forever. I just have to know one thing, and I will take you at your word when you answer. Is there some sort of score you wish to settle with the Baron using me as a pawn?” After the question was asked, Christine turned around to face Romano. She wanted to see if his eyes held any lies when he would answer her question.

[Gwayne of Vendeling]

Romano laughed softly then he looked into the beautyfull eyes of the woman. He hesitated slightly before answering..

"A good question dear lady.. Well first you are already a pawn.. and yes also in my hands whatever good intentions I may have. You are the last in a long line of wives and mistresses the Baron has had, and so far only one of them gave birth to a child.. My spies could never found out where she went with the child.. But her lover has been sealed in the dungeon.. We assume that the child and the girl are with him."

He sighed.. remembering the horror that he had felt when the story reached him.

"For me, these days are more then just a party.. the Baron is making deals that could end the war within the coming days, and without a war there will be no funding of the armies by the crown anymore. I would not be able to feed and pay the men after less then two months.. except when I go to war myself to become the king then payment could be arranged. If I don't go to war I will be dead or exiled in a year or maybe two.. and in two years the Baron will be king."

The man smiled.. "Now your place in this.. if I would arrange the suggestion that you slept with me, the Baron would get you killed or worse, replacing you with a other victim in his futile attempts to produce offspring. So that's not in my advantage.. but if i keep you as a hostage and declare war tomorrow he can not devoice you. The Bishop's would not accept that, and he has to save his soul from hell somehow. So if I would win the war I can force you to become my wife and become legallly owner of all the Baron's estates.."

He stroked over Christine's cheek.

"Yes, you are a pawn in the game of the houses.. but in a way so am I. I just play to win.. you are free to leave anytime you wish. or you stay. From tomorrow on this country will be in a civil war. Whatever your choice will be."

He thought for a few moments about the situation.. He felt better now he had made the decision, after all those months of planning.

"You can also leave the country.. I have friends in other countries who gladly would take you and your sister in. I would give you enough money to survive until the country is stable again and the Baron is dead.. one way or a other."

He took her her hand and kissed it softly.. "What's your wish my lady ?" he asked. His eyes reflected several emotions. It was clear that the man did not fear death.. he feared to fail and disappoint those he loved..