by Awolnation » Wed Jan 08, 2014 5:08 pm
Ｂeautiful images danced behind closed lids as her mind supplied the soundtrack to this lovely dream. There she was, amongst a field of vast flowers. There were crimson roses, purple ivories, and of course white lilies. A dog came rushing at her, tail wagging at a furious rate. God, how she craved a canine of her very own. Her father possessed a series of hunting dogs, but they were all vicious. Each time she would stroll past where they were housed, they'd pull at their restraints, jaws snapping as if to tear away her flesh. The dog in her dream was pleasantly behaved. It ran about, chasing unseen objects. Suddenly, however, the dog turned, it's maw parting, words trailing off it's pink tongue. "My Lady" it called. Her dream self grew confused. Never before had she encountered a talking dog. This was the work of a witch, she was certain. "My Lady" it called again, before rushing closer "My Lady. My Lady. Lily" it's tone hardened, yet suddenly became familiar. It almost sounded like her tutor.
Ｌily awoke with a start. The dream had scared it, changing from something so lovely, to something dreaded. Her breathing was labored, the chamber around her dark. When she had awoken, she had bolted upright in bed. Now, relaxed, and realizing it was just a dream, she laid herself back down. A soft voice ripped through the night "Do not fear, it is I, Timothy". It was in fact the voice of her tutor. He was an elder man, skilled in the arts and knowledge. A perfect tutor. Sitting up in bed once more, she scanned the room, finally spotting the elder man standing at the side of her bed. Her lips parted as if to question him about being in her chambers, when he spoke again. "My dear, your father has sent me. A army rides toward the castle walls as we speak. You must take this" he muttered, handing her a cloak and a dagger in the darkness of the room before continuing "You must take this and ride to the west, to the neighboring villages. You're identity must be hidden. Lily did not fully understand this, but out in the hallway outside her chambers, commotion could be heard. The heavy footfall of men wearing large amounts of armor and the clanking of chain mail. What Timothy said was true, they were preparing for battle. Without questioning his words, Lily quickly stood, outfitted in a simple night dress. A belt accompanied the night dress, wrapping around her slim waist. Quickly, she slipped the dagger between the belt and followed after Timothy.
Ａ storm was brewing outside. Heavy clouds hung low overhead pregnant with rain. The clouds made the world feel suddenly smaller and masked the light from the waxing moon. A horse sat waiting for her, a stableboy holding tightly onto the reins of the large beast. "this is not.." she began to protest turning toward Timothy. This was not the horse she usually rode. Her steed was a lovely pony. It's mane and tail were always braided with lilies. The horse before her belonged to her father. It was a massive stallion, the color of midnight. He was a brute. "No matter" Timothy muttered, cutting her words off. He grabbed her wrist, leading her to the horse. From there, he offered her a leg up, aiding her in mounting the stallion. She slipped her feet into the stirrups of the saddle, taking hold of the reins. "Now remember what I've told you. And Lily, you are not to return to this place. You mustant." Once again, she was about to protest, about to remove herself from the saddle and rush back inside to her parents side. Yet, Timothy raised his hand, and slapped the steed right across the rump. The sound of the slap was accompanied by a loud clap of thunder from far overhead. The horse took off toward the forest along the castle perimeter. There as no stopping him. The wind from the very speed of the animal caused her eyes to water, mixing in with the tears that already flowed. Looking back, all she saw of her home, was the flames of an advancing army.
Ｓhe rode until the horse finally tired. He eventually stopped, breathing labored, chest heaving beneath her. Her own chest was heaving with sobs. She didn't know what was to become of her family. Didn't know what was to become of her. She had never been outside of the castle walls alone. Dismounting, she moved off the forest trail slightly, allowing the horse to catch his breath. Timothy's words rang inside her head "hide your identity. How was that supposed to occur? She was well known all through out the kingdom. Well known for her kind nature, her softly spoken words, and her crimson locks. Her fingers reached up to tentativly stroke her soft tresses. Her hair was a deep red, reaching all the way down to her waist. She would often spend hours brushing her hair, the movement relaxing her. With another sob, she reached inside the cloak, plucking the dagger from where it rested. Slowly, she began to hack at her hair, long bits of it falling upon the forest floor. Eventually, her hair was cropped, a shadow of it's former glory. The red tresses still stood out, yet the style held masculinity. It was the hair style of a commoner. Someone who didn't desire for their hair to become caught in anything. Someone who didn't have the means to properly keep it clean. Mounting the horse once more, she continued to ride deeper into the forest, a pile of crimson hair left among the fallen leaves and dead pine needles.
Ｂy day break, she had reached a small village. Large bags hung below her red-rimmed eyes. It was evident that she had been crying. It was a small village she had entered, only a few homes littering the area, surrounded by fields of growing crops. Stopping in the center of the village, she walked the horse to a trough, allowing it to drink from the water. She was sore, exhausted, starving. When the horse had finished drinking, she gathered his reins once more, moving through out the village in search of people. Finally, she spotted a boy attending to a stable. "Excuse me" she muttered, calling his attention. She turned, and that is when she spotted it. A large scar run down the length of his face, marring his features. He merely scowled at her before speaking. "You better leave this place. There will be no one to help you here" he then spat upon the ground and returned to his work cleaning a stall. "But i'm looking for sanctuary" she protested. Suddenly, the boy moved, taking two steps closer to her. We don't appreciate your kind here, witch. You'll burn before anyone will offer you sanctuary" With that he spat upon her shoes, before taking another step toward her, pitch fork raised. Lily quickly retreated, mounting her horse. Kicking his sides, she galloped from the town. The villagers she passed all turned to glare at her, each of their faces holding scars.
Ｃontinuing down the trail, she rode for hours it seemed. The sun reached it's highest point before beginning it's decent toward the horizon. Eventually, she came across a small farm just off the trail. A large hay pile rested in a field. God it looked comfortable. A loud whinny ripped through the horse beneath her, startling her. Even more startling was when he quickly shifted course toward the hay pile. The sudden shift in direction, knocked her from the saddle, sending her toppling onto the packed dirt trail. The wind was pushed from her lungs. She lay there for a moment, gasping for air. After what seemed like ages, of desperate gulps, air finally entered her lungs and the worst of the pain subsided. Raising herself up off the ground, she limped toward the pile of hay. The stallion stood there, feasting upon the dried grass. With a sigh she slunk down into the softness of the hay, exhaustion taking over. Her lids slowly closed, her blue orbs hidden from view. She just needed a moment. A moment to rest her eyes.
"Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I shall wear no crowns and win no glory. I shall live and die at my post. I am the sword in the darkness. I am the watcher on the walls. I am the shield that guards the realms of men. I pledge my life and honor to the Night's Watch, for this night and all the nights to come."
I can start us off if you'd like?