Jason's eyes felt heavy and his body even heavier as he slowly walked through the garden. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword as has his fingers drummed against the grip. The young guard had not slept more than a few hours since they had arrived and even his appetite had quickly faded to barely a piece of bread and a sip of water. His heart felt warm with the thought of Brienna, but it also felt heavy from the ambush. He shook his head and came to a stop next to a bed of roses. He held the left side of his head with his hand, but frowned as a foul scent hit his nose. He knew the smell and held out his hands to inspect them. They were still slightly bruised, but were clean of any mess. Sadly though Jason could swear he still smelled the stench of copper float from his hands. Jasons hands began to slightly tremble as memories of the battle drifted through his mind. He gritted his teeth and clenched his hands into a fist with frustration.

The memories of death were now his nightmares, the smell of blood lingered on the food he touched and made him to sick to continue eating. he had been silent with his fellow guards and only spoke when it was required. He would even miss chances to spend time with Brienna as he slowly suffered from his awful thoughts. His mind was filled with utter hell, but only a single light shined bright within his mind. His angel kept him from insanity. The memory of their lips connecting and the passion they felt kept him from losing touch with himself. Though now, as he stood over the red roses his vision seemed to pull tricks on him as he blinked. Once he opened his eyes he saw blood caking his hands as a dagger rested in his right hand. He stared with a blank look and glanced down past his bloodied hands to see the bandit leader lying motionless within the bed of roses. His eyes were dull and stared into nothingness, but in a flash his eyes snapped up towards Jason and a wicked smile crawled onto his face. Jason stared at the vision, knowing it was fake seeing as how he's been suffering from similar visions since their fist night here.

Thankfully as he blinked again his original world returned and he lowered his hands down, resting his right hand on his swords hilt. He took a deep breathe and looked up towards the blue sky with a few white clouds and a flock of birds. He wanted to savor the view for as long as possible, for he knew the visions would return. He enjoyed his quite peace.

@Wick

Brienna looked up and saw Jason ahead of her standing next to the roses. She walked towards him and when she was a few feet from him she called to him. "Jason? Are you alright?" She reached out and touched his arm and felt his tension. She didn't think he was sleeping well. He seemed overtired and worn out emotionally. She looked at her last piece of bacon and offered it to him. "When was the last time you ate more than a bite or two? Are you still having nightmares?" He hadn't told her that but she knew it happened after brutal attacks, especially if you weren't used to it or killed before.

Brienna placed her arm around his waist. "Maybe you should talk to Samuel. I'm sure he could help you through this, probably better than I am." Brienna wasn't sure what to do. As tempting as bacon was he seemed uninterested in it. "Jason, come back to me."

@Joker892

Jason felt a tired smile roll onto his lips as he held tightly onto Briennas soft hands as they were wrapped around his waist. He turned to her and wrapped his own hands around her waist has he pulled her in close. He looked down to her with a soft smile and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "I'm still here, I will always be here," he said and pulled her into a hug. "I'll talk to Samuel, see if he can give me a few tips on how to get out of this mess," he whispered into ear in attempts to ease her worry for him. He knew he was wrong for worrying her and was ready to do anything to stop this. He pulled away and flashed a grin as he gently picked the bacon from her hands and placed it in his mouth. He gave a satisfied smile as he chewed, but the stench of blood continued to dull his taste and fill his nostrils. Yet, he chuckled with a smile. "Bacon, always good in any time periods," he said as he managed to force down the bacon. His stomach wanted more, but he wouldn't be able to handle it.

@Wick

@Joker892



Brienna remembered something and grinned leaning back so she could see him. "The knife you 'borrowed off of my thigh' was returned last night. I must say I would not have thought that you would have borrowed it quite like that, but I'm glad you did."Brienna looked down and then smiled at him. "There are always at least three daggers on me at all times. There is one in the front of my bodice tucked into the seams at the waist, one on my thigh and one high up on my shoulder. If ever in a battle and I am out cold or you need one take it like you did then." She nodded at him seriously a moment. Glancing down at the flowers she reached for some roses and started making a large armful as she cut them.

She looked at him a moment and decided to tell him something only the older guards and Elizabeth knew. "I am the last line of defense for Elizabeth. I am not her lady in waiting, although that is also part of my job/disguise. I'm her bodyguard, double, friend. Everyone else will call me her lady in waiting. The guards call me her bodyguard amongst themselves." She looked at him a moment. "I had trouble in the beginning too. Do you know how many men I've killed protecting Elizabeth?" Brienna dropped her head a little but her eyes never left his. "fourteen" She straightened up and her face was a little ashen at some of the memories.

"I have a feeling it is not so brutal where you are from. I hope it's not. Almost any good hit will kill a person if they aren't treated quickly enough and medicine here is...questionable. I hate killing but it is necessary here. People try to kill her a lot. Please try to forgive yourself for the killing. They would not give you another thought if they had gotten you first." She reached up and kissed him lightly on the lips, stuck a flower in her hair and smiled. "I need to take these to the graves. Would you like to come with me?"

@Joker892

Jason listened to Briennas words and felt a bit of relief to know she understood what he was going through. His smile grew after her lips met his and he simply nodded. "I would, I still need to pay my final respects," he said before looking her over one last time. The flower in her hair seemed to make her glow even more and he chuckled as he gently pinched her right cheek. "Ya know, you look much cuter today. I'm having trouble keep my eyes off of ya," he chuckled and offered his arm to her. "Come on, lets go say goodbye."

@Wick

@Joker892



Brienna watched as the priest came outside and started praying for those lost. When each of the men were placed into the ground Brienna stepped forward and lay three roses over each man and murmured her thanks for their service to the queen and by extension to herself as well. She made certain to get the names of all of the men and a messenger was sent back to the castle to deliver the news to the families and to bring them out if they so requested.

One of their women was killed in the fight. She was a maid and she had gotten stabbed when she tried to get away. That one hit Brienna particularly hard because the women were normally not harmed unless they were taken for carnal slavery. Brienna always had the guard go after those women as soon as the queen was out of harm's way. This girl was going to be a difficult death to announce. She was only 15 and so very innocent in her mannerisms and she was always eager to please her majesty. It took her a moment to remember the girl's name. Maryanna, that was her name. There were tears in her eyes when she spoke to the dead girl.

Once she was finished she hurried inside. She was positive that Jason would talk to Samuel and that she didn't want an audience to her softer side. She thought it was a big secret but all the guards knew deep down Brienna was soft and sweet. She was like a sister to them all and any of them would have gladly died for her. She darted through the house to the front and went back outside and sat down on a swing and wiped her tears.

@Joker892

Jason side and stared down at the graves with a pained look. That could have been him, or Brienna in those graves. The very thought caused him to shudder. He gave the graves a quick prayer of peace before turning away to see Samuel entering the house. Jason took a deep breath and jogged off after him. "Sir! Sir, can I have a word with you?" Jason asked as he neared Samuel. He stopped and looked towards Jason with a neutral look.

"Ah, Jason lad, how can I help you?" he asked while leaning next to the houses entrance. Jason stopped and gripped his swords hilt with nervousness. Samuel raised an eyebrow and waited for Jason to speak. After a few awkward seconds Jason took a deep breath and spoke.

"What was it like when you first killed someone?" he blurted out and a mentally slapped himself. Samuel seemed a bit surprised by his question, but soon a look of realization came to him and he let a low sigh escape him.

"Ah, so that is what's been bothering you since we arrived. I should have known seeing as how you're a recruit," he said and crossed his arms before looking at Jason with a stern look. "When I killed my first man ya say? Well I was no stranger to death when it happen, but I will admit taking a life felt a bit different," he said and rubbed his chin to find the right words to describe it. "It felt as if it wasn't for me to decided and take his life, but the heat of the battle blinded us, as it does with any soldier. When the battle ended it had felt like I was pulled from one reality to another. I remember not being able to sleep or eat for month because of my guilt. Hell I wasn't even fit to do my patrols," he chuckled dryly. Jason listened closely and felt as if Samuel was simply copying his thoughts. Was this how every soldier felt after their first kill?

"S-so how did you get past it?" he asked with desperation in his voice. Samuel shook his head.

"It was a long time before I was over it, but what pulled me from that path of despair and guilt was my beloved wife," he said with a smile. "She aided me through my troubled times like an infant and made me grateful to be alive. Though I will say the guilt still remains within my heart, but it is my will to live a longer life by her side that gives me courage to continue on. I pray for forgiveness from the lord and my fallen foes and thank them for letting me stay on this earth a bit longer," he said while letting a sly smirk. "So Jason, what I am saying is find your happiness and never regret what you must do to keep it, because others will surely be willing to rip you away from it and take it for themselves," he finished and sighed as he walked over to Jason and patted his shoulder. "Hope I could give you helpful advice lad, I understand what you are going through and I will aid you in anyway, as I do with all of my men," he chuckled and walked into the house. Jason watched Samuel leave and looked to his feet as he pondered the words he and told him. The guilt remained, but the thought of leaving Brienna seemed to make the guilt vanish. He felt true happiness with her and he didn't want to let that go. He wanted to keep that happiness and stay with it for as long as his life will allow it.

He tightened his fist and looked up into the sky with a small smile of relief. His world of guilt and sadness was gone and replaced with gratefulness and love. He was alive and free to be by her side, that is all that matters.

@Wick

Almost the instant she was back in the house Elizabeth asked a maid to find Brienna for her. Already knowing what was on the agenda Brienna was hoping they could put it off but Elizabeth was determined for it to go as scheduled and the house was under a shine and sparkle order. She wanted everything to be perfect.

Opening the door to Elizabeth's study she smiled. "I hear we are to party two days from now." She was a little surprised that Elizabeth looked a little less excited than she usually was. "What is it your majesty? Something is clearly wrong." Brienna said as she sat down.

"I want everything to be perfect and I just feel, anxious about this party." Brienna could believe that. Since the attack everyone had been emotional and on edge. It was normal after a crisis like that.

"Maybe we should postpone it?" Elizabeth took a deep breath and shook her head.

"No, I'll not have criminals dictate how I live my life. Changing it would be just that."

Jason walked through the houses hallways, giving passing maids and fellow guards a nod or hello. Some of the guards were a bit taken back seeing as how his attitude had greatly changed, but many of them seemed happy to see him in higher spirits. The maids were even drawn to his large smile as he greeted them, he was a born killer it seemed. After a few minutes of wandering the hallways he decided to find Brienna and stopped a group of maids. "Excuse me young ladies, but could one of you point me in the direction where Brienna is hiding?" he asked. They gave a knowing smile and giggled as they told him she was with Elizabeth. Jason gave them a quick bow and walked off to find his target.

Soon he reached the Queens room and was about to knock until he heard them talking. Now he wasn't one to listen in on others conversations, but he felt an urge take over him as he leaned in close. His eyebrows raised slightly as he heard something about a party and thoughts of postponing it. A frown came to his face and he gave a small scoff. Postponing a party? Now that was crazy. He cleared his throat and knocked on the door before gently opening it. "Excuse me for the intrusion, but I would like to have a word with the Queen," he said and entered the room with a professional look planted on his face.

Elizabeth lifted her head and Brienna turned in surprise to see him there. Brienna looked at Elizabeth and stood up. "I'll be back in a few moments." Wondering what Samuel said to make such an instant change in Jason she smiled to herself and went to check on lunch.

Elizabeth nodded and motioned for him to be seated. "What may I help you with, Jason isn't it?" She smiled because she already knew all about him and Brienna and was watching the budding feelings between the two.

Jason nodded in appreciation as he quickly accepted her offer and sat down. "Thank you my Queen and yes it is Jason. I'm honored to know you remembered a simple recruit," he said with a smile. Talking like this will never grow on him. He cleared his throat and spoke. "Well I am here to make a suggestion that will hopefully raise morale. The men have done a great job in hiding their unease, but I can say that everyone is a bit tense since our arrival. A simple party can greatly ease the mens thoughts and bring a bit more life to our surroundings. Plus, we can have a small session towards the end of the night to give the fallen one last farewell. It will be a way to honor them with less gloom as we celebrate the lives they lived and saved," he finished and took a deep breath. He was hoping this was good enough to get her to throw the party. God knows they needed it.

Elizabeth nodded. "I agree. That is why I told Brienna we would not change the date of the party. It will go on as scheduled and I do think a toast to those we lost is appropriate. I think that would be a lovely idea for this evening. Wonderful idea Jason." Elizabeth just looked thoughtfully at him for a moment. "If you break her heart I will make you pay dearly." She hadn't intended to threaten him but for some reason she felt the need to let him see that she looked out for Brienna as well as the other way around.

Jasons eyebrows raised slightly at the threat and he felt a bead of sweat run down his face as he gave a nervous chuckle. "W-whos heart my Queen? I-I don't know what you are talking about," he said.

Elizabeth gave him a stern look, "I'm not blind and you are not a fool. You know I speak of you and Brienna."

At that moment Brienna knocked on the door and entered smiling. "Lunch will be ready in just a few moments." She looked from one to the other and sensed tension. "Is something wrong?"

Elizabeth smiled and shook her head. "No, your young man here was just suggesting we have a memorial toast tonight for the fallen and I think it is a wonderful suggestion."

Pleased to hear that, she wasn't quite certain that was all that had transpired but she would find out later. Brienna smiled when Elizabeth stood and put her arm through Jason's and proceeded to chit chat with him to the dining room.

Jason felt embarassed as he walked with the Queen and chuckled with a sheepish smile. "Wish Brienna would have told me you knew about us," he said and looked to her with a smile. "I apologize for lying, just didnt know how you would react I guess," he said before glancing back to Brienna. "My lady, if I may ask, do you know what Brienna finds, romantic?" he asked in a whisper.

Elizabeth though that was quite possibly the sweetest thing any man had asked her. "I think she loves you so almost anything you do will be romantic to her." She whispered back. As they entered the dining room she nodded her head and released her grip on his arm and took her seat at the head of the table. Brienna took the seat immediately to her right and she looked for Jason to sit next to her.

"We are not quite as formal here as at the castle so if you would care to join me you don't have to eat with the men unless you want to." Brienna explained.

Jason's smile grew at their invitation and he walked to the seat next to Brienna, but stopped as a thought crossed his mind. He looked himself up and down to inspect his uniform and felt a frown come to his face. After a few seconds of thinking he sighed heavily and looked back to Brienna with a smile. "To eat with royalty and an angel would be more than an honor, but I wouldn't feel right having such an honor when I am only a recruit. Many other men of the guard deserve the honor much more than me, so I wouldn't feel right in taking such an offer. I will eat with the men tonight," he said and gave an apologetic smile towards Brienna. "Maybe another time," he chuckled and gave a quick bow before heading for the rooms door.

Elizabeth knew he was up to something but Brienna looked like she thought he had gone crazy. Elizabeth giggled to herself softly and Brienna inspected her quizzically. "What are you two up too?"

Elizabeth laughed out loud and said, "I can't be expected to keep up with your young man's comings and goings. I am the queen." She took a bite of her lunch and smiled at Brienna.

"Nonsense is what you two are up to." Brienna shook her head jokingly with her friend.

After lunch was over Brienna was going over the guest list while the ballroom was being decorated and she asked Elizabeth about a couple of people who were on the list. "My parents are on this list? Why? Is there something wrong?"

The queen shook her head. "No, I just thought it was a while since we had seen them."

Brienna didn't like that. She and her father had had a bad falling out a long time ago because she had refused to marry the person he wanted her to. She had preferred to stay with Elizabeth and stay single. She just knew that this was not going to be a good visit. She murmured a prayer for peace of mind and control so she didn't throttle her father. Elizabeth laughed at her and continued directing the decorations.

---

"You want us to do what now?" a fellow member of the guard asked with a raised eyebrow. Jason gave a sheepish smile and rubbed the back of his head.

"Come on man, just for the night. I promise I will pay you all back," he said looking the barracks filled with guards. They all looked to him with a mixture of amused grins or confused looks. Finally one of the guards, Gregory stood up from his seat and placed his boot on the table.

"We will do it, but ya got to get us a barrel of wine just for the guard house," he said with a grin. The men around him let large smiles of agreement come to their faces and cheered. Jason looked around the barracks with a shocked look before letting his own smile of defeat come to his face.

"Fine, we have a deal," he said with dry chuckle. The men cheered even louder and began to file out of the barracks to complete their task. Jason smiled as he spotted a few of the maids enter the barracks after the last of the guards left. They carried a fancy looking tunic and pants with a fine pair of leather boots. The maids walked to Jason and handed him the cloths with a smile.

"Here you go sir, just as you requested," she said and giggled along with the other maids. "And if I may say, this very romantic of you. Brienna is a very lucky woman," Jason blushed and rubbed the back of his head as he took his cloths with the other.

"Thanks, also a few of the guards will be back to help you with the arrangements while I get dressed," he said while looking towards another maid. "And you know what your job is right?" he asked her. The maid nodded.

"To bring Brienna to the gardens for you to take over," she said with smile. Jason grinned and gave a thumbs up as he left the barracks to prepare himself for the little surprise he had planned for Brienna.

Brienna went into the kitchen and the cook recognized the brooding look and put her to work helping her to bring up the supplies from the cellar. "Some hard work will take that problem out of your mind girl. Is it yer pa?" Brienna nodded at the cook. Lucy had been there for years and she had always liked her.

Two days til the party. That meant they would be here tomorrow at the latest and they would be staying here in the house. Brienna groaned and wished she could melt into the wall paper. Her mother was a kind and fun person but she had no spine when it came to her husband, at all. Brienna's father was a bit overbearing and gruff.

Sneaking solemnly out the back door she decided to walk to the wall around the property and back. Maybe the fresh air would do her some good.

The maid assigned with the task of finding Brienna looked around the house with desperation as she bit her knuckle gently. "Oh, where is she? Where is she?" she mumbled as she walked outside. "You had one job, just one. How can it be this difi-" she caught a glance of her target walking on the wall surrounding the house. She let out a relieved sigh and ran to the stairs leading to the top of the walls. She panted as she reached the top and saw Brienna. "B-Brienna! There you are, I was looking all over for you," she breathed heavily and walked over to her with a bit of sweat on her forehead. She was starting to question if this was worth the trouble. As she reached her she looked to Brienna with a pleading look. "Thank god I found you, I need your help in the garden. I know it is late, but I am desperate. Please, won't you help me?"

Brienna sighed and nodded. She was no closer to fixing her own problem why not work on someone else's for a while? Brienna walked with her and asked, "What is the problem in the garden?"

The maid began to think for a quick excuse and looked back with a nervous smile. "U-um, well you see I found something a bit, odd in the gardens and Im to embarrased to ask the others for help. Im sorry, but you are the first person I could think of that can help me," she said with sheepish smile.

Brienna looked at her oddly and sighed. She was distracted with her own thoughts and when they got into the gardens she turned to ask the maid what she was supposed to see and then she heard a noise and turned to see Jason in formal clothes holding a rose. Her heavy thoughts fell to the side and she smiled and walked over to him. "I take it this was all your doing?" She sniffed the rose he handed her and she kissed his cheek.

"You look very handsome tonight." Her rosy cheeks were flushed as the heat seemed to be hotter than normal this evening for some reason. The sun was going down and the sunset caught her eye as the pastel colors filled the sky.

Jason felt his heart pound much harder as he stared into Briennas breath taking eyes and grinned as he rubbed her cheek with his thumb. "Yes, I am responsible for this terrible crime of love, how will you punish me?" he chuckled and placed a kiss on her lips. "Maybe staying by my side for the night will teach me not to pull such things again," he said and offered her his arm.

"I hope staying beside you keeps you from trouble but never from me." She smiled and placed her arm around his waist as they walked. "I have been thinking about something unpleasant and you just turned my evening around." She stopped and grinned thinking about earlier. Chuckling, "So is this what you and Elizabeth were talking about earlier?"

Brienna shook her head, "Nevermind, I don't need to know." They walked enjoying the floral scents of the gardens.

Jason looked to Brienna and let a grin roll onto his face. "So, if I could ask, what was bothering you before I swept you off your feet?" he asked.

Brienna sighed and her brow furrowed with the agitation that an unsolved problem creates. "My parents are coming to the party. My father and I do not get along at all. He is angry with me because I embarrassed him publicly when I rejected a marriage that he was insistent upon. I am afraid it will be terribly uncomfortable."

Jasons grin faltered a bit, but he didnt want ruin the mood any more than he already had so he chuckled and pulled her closer to his side. "So, I get to meet the folks huh? Don't worry, they will love me," he said and kissed the top of her head. "Anyway, let's just focus on tonight. This will officially be our first date and I plan on making it as special as possible," he chuckled.

Brienna wasn't quite certain what he meant by date. Sometimes his terminology was a little confusing but she smiled anyway. She saw the lake just ahead and she smiled. "You continually surprise me. I like that." She tilted her face up to the sky as the moonlight began to shine through the trees and onto the water.

Jason took Brienna by the hand and led her to an open spot near the lake that had a large blanket spread out onto the ground. On the blanket sat a bottle of wine and two glasses that awaited the two. Jason grinned as he guided her to the blanket and chuckled. "Am I killing it or what?"

Brienna frowned slightly confused. "Killing it? I'm not sure what you mean. What are you trying to kill and why?" She smiled at the picnic setup and she sat down while waiting for him to join her and explain.

Jason simply smiled and shook his head as he opened the bottle of wine. He poured their glasses and handed Brienna hers. "Nevermind, just something we say in the future," he chuckled. "Anyway, you might be wondering why I brought you out here? Why is there a picnic here? Why am is he asking these questions when I could be answering them? Well I will tell ya why," he said and leaned in closer to her ear with a grin. "I don't know," he chuckled and sat back. "I just wanted to see your beauty in the moonlight while enjoying your company. Selfish I know, but hey I have no regrets," he said and rested his hand onto hers. "I am loving every second of this."

Brienna raised her face to his with a brilliant smile. "I couldn't be happier that we are out here together tonight. I think we should do this more often. Once we get back to the castle it will get tougher. So I think we should spend as much time together as we can." She raised up on her knees and kissed him. She felt herself blush at her own thoughts and she murmured, "I like kissing you. I hope you don't mind." She smirked.

Jason smikred himself and gave her another quick kiss before rising to his feet with her hands in his. "I dont mind a bit, but from your earlier comment about not being any happier, I will have to prove you wrong on that," he chuckled as he heard rustling come from the near by bushes near their spot. He snapped his fingers and a few figures emerged from the foliage. They were members of the guard, but they seemed as dressed up as Jason and held instruments of all kinds. Jasons grin grew larger as he winked towards the men and looked back to her as the men began to play a soothing tune. "How about a dance my angel?" he asked as he offered her his hand.

Brienna was smiling in shock and she was grinning from ear to ear. Taking his hand she chuckled into his ear. "You know that you are going to have to pay heavily for getting them into this. How many years of your life did you have to barter?" She was trying not to look at the men. She didn't want them to leave. She was enjoying this immensely. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned against him happily as they danced. Brienna couldn't remember ever being this happy because of a man doing something for her. She started counting all the people he had had to wrangle into this and she chuckled. The cook, maid, and key members of the guard. She couldn't wipe the smile off of her face.

Jason smiled and chuckled. "You would be surprised what a barrel of wine can make a bunch of sober guards do," he said as they continued their dance. They glided across the open ground and Jason couldnt help but feel warmness fill his heart and soul. All of the worry and guilt was gone and had been replaced with a single angel. This was his heaven. This was his happiness. He pulled away to look down at her and felt his heart flutter as the moonlight lit up her smiling face. He hesitated for a few seconds from nervousness, but soon he choked it down and spoke with red cheeks. "I love you."

Brienna felt her entire body tingle and she pulled him down to her. "I love you as well." Her lips met his in a kiss full of depth and feelings. Brienna forgot there was a group of men playing instruments watching them. Her heart was so full and she felt that with him she was completely happy.

@joker892

Brienna was up early and she was already working on giving herself an ulcer worrying about her parents visit. She was determined not to argue with him. She had to keep in mind that he had no idea what she really did. He thought she was just a silly girl who needed a husband to survive in the world. She was looking out the window to the front and a couple of carriages arrived from the castle. She went outside to make sure that everyone that was supposed to be there had shown up and that everything was going according to schedule. She was not surprised to see William and as usual she dodged his affections kindly as she directed him and the others to take things into the house and kitchen.

Lost in her duties for the day she almost missed her parents arrival. Their carriage arrived shortly after 1 in the afternoon. The tension on her face was visible and when her father stepped from the carriage she smiled at him and "Welcome father! I am so glad you could make it." She lied. Her father gave her a scowl and walked past her. Her mother declared herself exhausted from her travels and opted for lunch in her room. Brienna got their things moved and got her mother settled into their room and her father had gone to the study for a smoke.

Brienna had barely seen Jason. The guard was on higher than normal alert because the gates were being opened off and on all day. They were still closing them because of the attack but they were keeping extra vigilant because of recent events. She expected they would barely see each other over the next couple of days. She finally saw a few minutes to herself and she went to the lake where they had been the night before and her happiness came back and she sat down by the water smiling at the memories and how he made her feel.

@joker892

"I swear mate, she was smiling at me!" a guard proclaimed as Jason and his group patrolled the walls around the house. Jason and the other guards chuckled and gave him looks of uncertainty.


"Really now, which maid was it then?" Gregory asked as he glanced back at him.

"That really cute one that went and brought Brienna to Jason. I swear she was about to fall over with shaking legs," he said with a cocky grin and chuckle. This caused the group to roar with laughter. The guard simply frowned in annoyance and look away past the edge of the wall. His frown quickly faded as he spotted something near the lake. "Oi, Jason, is that Brienna out by the lake?" he asked as he pointed his spear in her direction. Jason stopped and looked to where is spear was pointed towards. He raised his eyebrow and nodded.

"Yeah, but what's she doing out there? I thought she'd be with her folks," he said, but quickly remembered her talking about her current relationship with them. He frowned and looked to the rest of the guards. "Mind doing me another favor?" he asked with a sheepish smile. Gregory and the others smiled knowingly and chuckled.


"Go ahead lad, we'll just say you had the shits," Gregory said and waved him off with his hand. Jason grinned and gave a quick thanks to them as he hurried down the walls. He passed through the garden and stopped as he spotted a few flowers. He quickly picked a few and made his way to the lake. As he approached Brienna he noticed she was deep within her thoughts and grinned. He carefully made his way to her and knelt down behind her. He placed the flowers over her right shoulder and as she looked to them he quickly moved his head to the other side and kissed her cheek.

"Man, this place seems to be real popular," he chuckled.

@Wick

@Joker892

Brienna chuckled and turned to him. "Well hello there stranger. I finally get a few minutes to myself before I have to get back inside." As he sat down she sniffed the flowers and smiled at him. After a few minutes she told him how her day was going.

"Well the kitchen staff is all here and so William is running around here. Be aware. I am certain he will know about us. I just prefer to avoid that kind of friction if we can, especially since my father is not really talking to me. It was actually more like I was a dirty servant. My mother is wrapped up in herself so there is that." She leaned her head on his shoulder.

Brienna grinned up at him. "So that is my crazy day so far. How's yours going and who is covering for you?"

Brienna's expression changed immediately. She stood up and straightened her dress as a tall semi muscled man clearly in his late forties or early fifties approached them angrily.

"Father! This is-"

Before she could say anything her father had backhanded her hard and she landed hard on the ground next to the water's edge. Her head was spinning and she felt her face flame up in agony.

Jason was in shock as he shot towards Briennas side and picked her up from the ground. He held her in his arms and looked to her with a worried look. As he tended to her he saw the mark that was left from her 'fathers' hit and the memory of the bandit leader striking Brienna flashed in his mind. His mind began to scream for the mans blood and he nearly gave in as reached for his sword, but he looked to Brienna and stopped himself. It was her father and he was pretty sure she didn't want him dead. Jason gritted his teeth. That didn't mean he couldn't beat the complete shit out of him.

He gently sat her up onto her rear and rose to his feet with clenched fist. He took out his sword from its sheath and threw it to the ground as he turned towards his target. He glared towards the man with enraged eyes and pointed towards him."I'm gonna make you regret that," he snarled as he marched towards him with shaking fist.

@Wick

Brienna's father never took his eyes off of the man who moved his daughter and obviously cared for her. "I assume you befouled my daughter and are the reason she defies her father so vehemently!"

Brienna heard the guards on the wall start moving rapidly and assumed there was trouble elsewhere but she was dizzy and couldn't focus just yet. So she sat there holding her head.

Jason chuckled dryly as he cracked his fist. "Old man, you better save that talk after I beat your skull in," he growled. Once he was close enough he got into his boxing stance and shot forward with quick right swing. Sadly though the old man seemed ready for it as he stepped back, barely avoiding Jason's attack. Jason gritted his teeth in annoyance as the old man raised his fist up to prepare himself for Jason's next attack.

Brienna got the world to stop spinning and she got to her feet wobbling badly. "Father, he didn't-" She grabbed the nearest tree and violently got sick. She lay on the ground as unconsciousness took her.

The Lord looked at his daughter and landed his fist on Jason's jaw hard but the young man had trained with Samuel and had been hit by harder.

Anger clouded his mind as the old man managed a blow, but before he could return the favor he gave a quick glance over his shoulder to see an unconscious Brienna. His heart dropped at the sight along with his boxing stance and he ran towards her with dread in his eyes. "Brienna!" he shouted in worry as he scooped her up into his arms. He held her head up gently and began to feel his heart pound in fear. He glared towards the old man, but saw a group guards running towards them. Jason gritted his teeth in anger and frustration as he carefully picked Brienna up and ran passed the old man, while of course giving him a death glare. He saw Gregory and made his way towards him. "Get her to the house and have someone help her, but be careful, that bastard hit her hard," he snarled as he glanced over his shoulder.

Gregory nodded, but he frowned towards him. "Listen mate, I think it would be better if you went. I dont think we can leave ya alone with a Lord when he is in your sights," he said and looked to two of the men and gestured for them to escort Briennas father back to the house. They nodded and flanked the old man as they made their way back. Jason kept his hateful eyes on the man until he forced them away and towards Gregory. "Besides, something has come up and they are calling everyone to the estate. Lets hurry and get her to someone and find Samuel," he said while giving an apologetic look. "I know you are mad, but keep your head on mate. Your lucky you didnt get a hit on him, you could have been hung," Jason looked towards Brienna and nodded slowly.

"Fine, lets go," he said as they made their way back to the estate. He made sure to be gentle with Brienna and never took his eyes off of her. "I'm sorry," he whispered with a voice shaking from both guilt and anger.

Elizabeth was standing at the top of the staircase when they all arrived inside the doors and she was angry. The doctor was already at the door and Elizabeth ordered Jason to take her to her room and stand guard outside while the doctor looked at her. One of the ladies went with them to act as witness and to help get her undressed.

"The guard will return to their posts except for Samuel. Lord Avery I need to speak with you in the parlor immediately." The entire household was abuzz with what had happened.

It was not an hour later that one of the carriages was readied and her mother, clearly clueless, was reinstated into it with her irate husband. He had come out of the room shaking with anger after Elizabeth had taken some of his lands away from him and given him ten days to move.

Elizabeth hurried upstairs to check on her friend. "Jason? Are you alright? Has he said anything about how she is yet and tell me what happened." Elizabeth opened the door and pulled him in with her.

Jason avoided eye contact with the Queen and let her lead the way. Guilt stirred in his chest and he couldn't bare to admit his failure in protecting the women he loved. "Don't worry about me my lady, and he hasn't said a damned word," he said with a defeated tone. As they entered the room Jason looked up to see Brienna laying on the bed. The side of her face she was struck on was now bruised and red. Jason's fist tightened as he slowly walked to the side of her bed and kneeled down to get a closer look at her. With a shaking hand he cleared a strand of her hair from her face and felt tears threatening to escape the corners of his eyes.

"Damn it," he whispered and lowered his head in shame. He rose to his feet, still avoiding eye contact with the Queen and looked to the doctor. "Please, tell me what you know so far," he pleaded with a shaking voice.

The doctor had examined her already. "She has a concussion to the head plus when she fell her head bounced off of a rock it appears. She has a cut inside the hairline right here. She needs to be awakened every hour through the night. If she isn't she may not wake up at all if her brain were to swell up too much there is nothing we can do. Most likely she will be fine though. I am aware of her father's title and all but I hope someone makes him pay. Brienna is a fine girl." The doctor sighed heavily. "I'll watch her through the night."

Elizabeth wasn't sure she liked what he had to say up until he got to the part about making the Lord pay for hurting his daughter. About that time the door opened to show Brienna's mother breathing heavily. "Is my daughter alright?" She knelt next to the other side of the bed and stroked her hair and her mother cried softly.

Elizabeth smiled softly and ordered the maids to accomodate the Lady Avery's needs since her husband took all of her things back to their current home.

Turning back to Jason she smiled. "Jason, you did well today. I'm glad you didn't do anything foolish. Now I get to do something fun instead of something heartbreaking." She winked at him keeping her little secret til later as she left the room to supervise the party arrangements.

Brienna awoke on her own and looked over at her mother, the doctor and Jason all in her room. She wondered where her father was. "Jason?" She choked out. Her throat was dry.

Jason looked around the room and spotted a pitcher of water on a nearby table. "Hold on," he said as he rushed over, poured a small glass and quickly made his way towards her. He knelt down by her bedside and smiled sadly as he gently raised her head up and helped her drink the water slowly. "Hey, I'm glad to see you awake, I was worried," he said with relief and guilt. He looked over to Briennas mother and bowed his head a bit with shame. "I am sorry, I was the one who caused the trouble. Please forgive me," he said while gently stroking Brienna's undamaged cheek.

Her mother had heard her child's voice and her eyes had opened to see the young man tending to her. She listened and when he said he caused the problem she had to correct him. "Jason is it?" Brienna smiled and reached for her mother's hand and held it as she sat on the bed next to her.

"Her father has been in a financial pinch for a while and he was hoping to marry Brienna off into a rich family to bail him out. It had nothing to do with you at all. We had gotten to the gates when your father mentioned hitting you." She looked at her daughter. "I have been on the other end of those from him before. I left the carriage and ran back to see if you were okay. I couldn't leave my baby girl like that." She smiled and said, "Elizabeth made him pay alright. She has taken his lands from him and without that he has nothing left. He is not a Lord any longer, just a mister. Since you are well looked after I am going to my room to sleep. This chair is terrible!" Her mother tapped Jason on the shoulder and smiled before she left the room.

Jason watched Brienna's mother leave and returned her smile with a small one of his own. He turned his attention back to Brienna and kissed her forehead softly. "I'm happy you are awake, but I should leave you alone to rest. I'll be back to check on you later, okay?" he said and rose to his feet. He looked to the doctor and gave him a nod of thanks as he exited the room. As he closed the door he leaned his back against the door and let out a heavy sigh. He shook his head and decided to find Samuel as he remembered Gregory mentioning finding him after he had made sure Brienna was in good hands.

He walked through the hallways in search of Samuel and after a few minutes of searching he spotted him giving out orders to Gregory and a few others guards. Jason quickly made his way towards him and stood at attention as he managed to get his attention. "Sir, I was told I should see you about something," he said. Samuel looked to Jason and nodded with a stern look.

"Jason, Im glad to see you," he said and patted him on the arm. "How is she?" he asked with concern.

"She is awake sir and she is in good hands," Jason informed. Samuel nodded with relief and sighed.

"Good, Im happy to hear. That girl never deserved that sort of treatment from a pathetic excuse of a Lord," he said with a sigh. "Anyway, to business. I'm afraid we have a problem," Jason raised an eyebrow.

"What is the problem sir?" Samuel sighed once again before continuing.

"We have trouble arising from another band of bandits, these ones seemingly belonging to the party that ambushed us. Only difference is their numbers," he said and shook his head. "Scouts have informed me that the party is gathering any nearby allies and will strike the estate with the intention of revenge. I have not informed the Queen and I want to keep it that way," Jason shook his head in confusion from all of the information he had recieved.

"Sir, why keep the Queen in the dark?" he asked.

"She is invested with this party and I want to keep our Queen happy, simple as that," he said and motioned to Gregory and five other guards. "I have gathered you seven here because I find you all to be capable enough to assist me. I have sent word for another group of twenty men to meet us outside of the estate to go and take care of these bastards once and for all. We will leave tonight and should return by the time the party has begun. Gather your things, take care of whatever you need to and meet me by the stables. Make sure the Queen does not find out about any of this, understood?" he finished. Jason and the other six guards saluted and went to ready for their mission. Jason made sure to grab his sheild, sword and spear and strapped his armor on tight. He rotated his arm and grunted as he lifted his sheild.

As he made his way to the stables he stopped and looked up to the window that belonged to Brienna's room. He frowned with guilt and sighed heavily. "I'll be back, and I will make this up to you," he swore before heading to the stables to meet his party.

Elizabeth was not blind. She knew something was going on but she was also used to Samuel handling things without her knowledge much of the time. That was where Brienna came into play much of the time. She was a little concerned when she saw several of the guard leaving the gates but she said nothing. She knew Samuel could handle it or he would have said something to her.

William was lurking around Brienna's doorway. He hadn't knocked yet but he wanted to see how she was doing. When the doctor emerged he spoke with him. It was with relief that he asked if he could go in and see her. There was a maid nearby and he asked her to accompany the carpenter to see Brienna. She nodded and she watched over William as Brienna was in and out of sleep.

It was about two in the morning when one of the maids came in to check on her. William had gone long ago. Brienna barely remembered him coming in to see her.

One of the maids had come in to fluff her pillows and Brienna asked where Jason was. She had assumed he was working or eating dinner but that he should have been back by now.

"Brienna he and some of the rest of the guards, maybe seven or so left a few hours ago."

Brienna sat up and it made her head pound harder. "What!" She flung her covers off and pulled her dress on over her slip and slipped into her shoes. She was chased down the stairs by the maid.

"Wait! You can't just get up you are hurt!"

"I need a full account of who is here and where so if you don't intend to be hurt too you will get out of my way!" With that the maid stepped back and Brienna ran as quickly as she could to the wall and spoke to the guards to see how many were left there to protect the queen.

After getting that information she went back inside and locked every door and planted a guard at every door leading outside. She knew that Samuel would not have left them unguarded but Elizabeth had also just taken everything away from Brienna's own father that very day. She didn't trust him not to pull something.

Brienna went into Elizabeth's rooms and checked on the sleeping queen and personally kept guard on her door. As an afterthought she went to get Lillian and William and put a plan of action in place of her own. After that she sat outside of the queen's room and waited for something to happen.

@Joker892

Collaboration Post

"Move it ya sorry welps! I want head on a pike by sun down!" yelled a Sargent that belonged to the group of guards Jason and his group had met up with. His name was Hector if he remembered correctly. The men groaned as they all trudged through the swamp, some barely keeping up thanks to their gear. Jason wiped some sweat from his face and looked to Samuel.

"So, what did the scouts report exactly?" he asked before stumbling forward from a hidden rock in the thick murky water. Samuel scoffed and swatted flies from his face.



Samuel kept his eyes focussed on the uneven terrain and wet lanscape in front of him. "The scout found them in a cave in some old ruins a few miles up the road. They are too close to leave alone so we will evicerate them and then go home."


Jason sighed and gave a dry chuckle. "I swear these guys decide to cause trouble just to piss me off,"he mumbled as he shook his head. Gregory, who was close by the two chuckled as he patted Jason on the shoulder.

"Cheer up mate, think of this as a lovely stroll through the woods and at the end of our stroll lies plenty of training dummies with that women hitting Lord's face on them," Jason smirked.

"Now that is appealing," the three chuckled and continued their march through the swamps. After and hour or so the guard leading the group held up a fist to halt the party. Jason and the men halted and tightened their grips on their weapons. The guard motioned for the party to come up quietly. The men crept silently up to a small hill that led out of the swamp and as they reached the top spotted the ruins the scouts had reported.


"Alright then, this is where they were last seen. Now we just got to find their cave and-" the sergent was stopped as Gregory tapped his arm and pointed towards a bright light that shined a few yards away from the ruins.

"Found 'em," he grinned. The sergent cleared his throat and looked back to his men.

"Alright men, this is the plan. I want Samuel and his men to follow me and a few other guards to take out the rats in their holes. The rest shall spread out in groups and ensure that any fleeing bandits are killed without mercy. We are killing scum here, not men," he finished and motioned for Samuel and his men to follow him. Jason and his group quickly and silently followed Hector and four of his men as they quickly crept towards the caves entrance. As they neared Hector raised his sword up and placed his finger onto his lips to hush them. He signaled for two of his guards to go in first as they all surrounded the entrance.

The guards were quick with their entrance as they rushed in with raised weapons. Jason and the others were ready to hear shouts of alarm or anger, but instead they heard nothing. Soon one of the guards came back out and pointed to the cave with his spear, with a raised eyebrow. "Sir, there is no one here, just a fire," he informed him.

"What, but that makes no-" he was cut off by a distant scream that echoed from the swamps. Jason looked to Samuel with wide eyes and gripped his spear tight.

"Shit," was all he managed to say as the guard at the entrance of the cave howled in pain from an arrow burying itself into his leg.

"It's a trap! Get down!" Samuel dove behind a crevice in the cave opening and he looked around and realized with the sun going down they were illuminated by the fire and the enemy had the advantage that way.

He caught sight of movement in the trees not far off and he said a silent prayer and darted out as fast as he could to the treeline. It was safer than staying out in the open with a fire behind you. "Come on boys!"

Once in the darkening trees you didn't know who you were next to until they were on top of you so Samuel kept an eye on who was following him and who was still a sitting duck. They lost a couple within the first minutes and Samuel felt the rage burning in his chest for his guards and friends. As a group they could fight but on their own they were disadvantaged by the surroundings.

Meanwhile, back at the mansion....


After putting her plan into action Brienna and the remaining guards were on high alert and it seemed all for naught until she heard some noises from the garden area. She caught sight of them through an upper window. All of the lower ones had been closed and locked tightly. She picked up the bow and arrow she had requested and carefully took aim as they were coming over the back wall.

Her aim rang true as a scream was heard and the man fell to his death.

"Samuel! Samuel!" Jason shouted over the chaos of the battle that echoed through the night. The sound of metal clashing against metal and the screams of pure agony filled the air and made it impossible for Jason to make out Samuels voice. He grunted with frustration as he dragged the guard who was injured at the caves entrance to the ruins and placed him against an old wall. The guard winced in pain as he held his bleeding leg and broke the arrow.

"Damn all of these pig fuckers!" he roared with anger. Jason held onto his shoulder as he looked around their surroundings to make sure no enemy was after them.

"Listen buddy, just stay here and wait for the fight to be over. I will come back for you," he promised and left the man alone as rushed back out to join the fight. As he emerged from the ruins he was met with the sight of pure hell. Fire arrows flew through the sky and illuminated the open field to show several figures fighting tooth and nail aganist each other. Some dragged themselves across the field screaming for help or mercy while a few were overwhelmed by more than a few opponents. A few were even just using their fist or rocks to kill their enemy. Jason shook his head in disbelief before being brought back to reality by a war cry to his left. He quickly rested his spear on top of his sheild and was met by a bandit in all black charging toward him with a large axe. Jason gritted his teeth and raised his sheild as the bandit brought his axe down onto it. He pushed back and sent his spear shooting towards his gut, but was frustrated as the bandit quickly dodged the spear by a hair.

Jason felt the bandits fist smash into the left side of his face and stumbled to the side. He lost his footing and fell to the ground. He cursed to himself and looked up with wide eyes to see the bandit raising his axe up, ready to end Jason's life. Sadly for him Jason was not ready to die as the young guard plunged his spear into his chest with a roar. The bandit gasped with shock and gripped the spear with gritted teeth as he fell over, groaning in pain as he began to bleed out. Jason scrambled to his feet while yanking his sword from its sheath and rushed to the downed bandit. He delivered the final blow as he slid his sword into his throat. The bandi'ts eyes dulled and his body went limp. Jason breathed heavily as he picked himself up and looked around the battle. The darkness made it near impossible to see who was who, but he could tell his side was nearly done for.

As Jason scanned the battle a horn filled the air and he looked in its direction to see a bloodied Hector blowing a horn. It was the signal to retreat. Jason was about to run to Hector's aid since he looked injured, but stopped as he was overwhelmed by a group of bloodthirsty bandits. Jason watched as the guard fell and gritted his teeth in anger. "Damn it," he growled before heading back to the ruins where he had left the guard. He came back to the spot and saw that the guard was already up while supporting himself with his spear.

"Was that the horn? We are retreating?" he asked with a mixture of disbelief and anger. Jason nodded and went to support the guard's left side.

"Yeah, we gotta get going buddy," he said in a hurried voice. The two proceeded to make their way through the ruins and back into the swamps that were not filled with battle. As Jason and the guard trudged through the murky water he began to worry about his friend Samuel and gave one last glance back in the direction of the battle. "Please be safe sir," he whispered before directing his attention back to helping the guard move through the swamp.

After ducking into the forest it was dark enough for Samuel to stealthily sneak up on the attackers that were using the flaming arrows as they lit them. They went dark quickly enough when he stabbed them through the chest or head. Some of them he even got lucky enough to shoot the arrow at one of their own. The queen's guard was in serious trouble as there were more of them than the scout said by about fifteen.

Hearing the horn Samuel looked around himself and realized that almost everyone that he could see was down or fighting the way he was. Only the most experienced guards seemed to be holding their own. Samuel realized something and took off at a dead run shouting to his men.

"They doubleteamed us! Get to the mansion!" He realized that they were setup. The real fight was likely going on at the mansion while half of the queen's men were on a goose chase and getting slaughtered.

........Brienna looked at the wall and so far the guards atop it were holding their own but she heard wood cracking and screams downstairs as the house was entered. There were guards fighting the invaders as were the kitchen staff. ......

@Wick

"Over here lads, I found the swine!" a bandit shouted as he raised his sword towards the fleeing Jason and fellow guard. Jason was breathing heavily and felt his body ache as he helped carry the injured guard, Davis, through the swamps. Arrows and a few axes flew by, nearly hitting the two and only causing the two to grow even more desperate to find a way out of their situation.

"Damn it! At this rate our heads will be on a bloody pike!" he shouted through gritted teeth. Jason huffed and glanced over his shoulder to see several bandits hooting and hollering as they enjoyed their hunt.

"We wont be able to get away, we have to fight them," he said with frustration.

"What!? You are mad, we will be slaughtered!" he proclaimed as an arrow shot over his head. Jason gritted his teeth as a small opening caught his eye and grunted as he yanked Davis towards it.

"Yeah, good chance of that happening," he chuckled dryly and leaned Davis against a tree. Jason held his shield up and spun around towards the direction of the pursuing bandits. Davis, while applying pressure to his leg, pulled out his short sword and growled in frustration.

"Great, I die with a mad man!" he mumbled. Jason smirked back to him before turning his full attention back to approaching enemies.

"What an honor huh!?" he laughed as a bandit burst from the darkness with a war cry. Jason gripped his sword tighter and yelled out in anger as he shot forward with his sword raised high.

Samuel could see the bandits just ahead of him and some of his men. They were running out of the forest heading back towards the mansion and he could see Jason and another guard. It looked like they were trapped. He raised his sword and yelled as Jason took the bandit closest to him, and his backup arrived in the form of a deadly rush of men hellbent on getting to their queen.

Samuel stopped and slung Jason's buddy over his shoulder as Jason fought the bandits in his path. It was almost a symetrical balance and the results were pretty amazing. Not a person in this time would have ever thought he wasn't born in this time too. Samuel grinned and pushed through with a guard over his shoulder

"Jason! The mansion is under attack! It was a bait and switch attack! Brienna can't hold it on her own. We gotta Run!" He said as he dropped his foe to the ground and took off running again.

Jason looked to Samuel with shock as he tore his sword from a bandits chest and gritted his teeth in anger. "Damn it! Why can't I get a break!?" he shouted in frustration as he bolted after Samuel and the other guards. He quickly caught up and looked to Davis that was bouncing up and down on Samuels shoulder. "Having fun?" Davis glared at Jason.

"I swear to god if you tell anyone about this I will have a horse kick you in the balls!" he promised, causing everyone running to give tired laughs of amusement. Jason shook his head with a smirk, but his amusement didn't last long as the sound of battle returned to his ears. He looked forward to see a light peeking through the swamps edge. He picked up the pace and was the first to exit the swamp to be greeted with the sight of pure chaos. The walls were filled with men fighting one another, the front gates had been broken through and the air with thick with the smell of blood and fire.

Only one thought came to his mind as he stared at this horrible sight. "Brienna!" he screamed in desperation as he charged forward towards the front gates.

Brienna was shooting arrows from the top of the stairs at intruders as they came through the front door. There was a pile of bodies quickly filling up the entryway. Her guards in the house had secured the other doors and gotten some control of the house itself. The queen was still safe and Brienna's own eyes were focussed on safety and security of the house full of guests they had there. The men on the premises had taken up some form of defense. Most had picked up daggers, swords or large kettles to hit the invaders with.

William was outside the main door of the house in an all out brawl, exchanging slashes with daggers and fists. The other guards that were outside were holding their own for the most part. When the others arrived they started to regain the grounds. Samuel and the others charged through the chaos and once he had set the injured guard down Samuel charged towards the front door of the house passing by William.

Leaping over the dead bodies outside the entryway he had to jump sideways to keep from getting slashed by an unseen foe. He hurled his sword into the man's gut and lifted him up on the sword and let him scream as he bled to death. Samuel was seeing red. They had lost more than half of the men they took in total. Only fourteen of the twenty seven returned and that didn't count the losses at the mansion. He turned and almost took William's head off. Luckily, William saw him and jumped back. "Samuel!"

Samuel recognized him and asked, "The queen?" William nodded. "She is hidden." Samuel ran back into the fray and Brienna could see the tides turning when looking out the window. Her eyes searched desperately. Where was Jason?

A roar echoed throughout the court yard as Jason buried his sword into his foes heart while using his shield to block anothers attackers attack. He let his sword fall with the attackers corpse and pushed forward towards the other attacker with an animal like snarl. They both fell to the ground with Jason above the man. Jason had lost himself the very second he had passed through the front gates. He raised his sheild aboved his head and brought it down onto the bandits skull with a sickening crack. He repeated the blows with gritted teeth and shouted in anger as he dealt one final blow with a splatter of blood covering his right cheek. He panted heavily as he rose to his feet with shaking legs, but as he balanced himself on shaking legs he felt his left shoulder jerk backwards. He stumbled back a bit and looked to his shoulder to see an arrow planted into his padded shoulder.

He felt no pain, but he felt the blood run down his arm and drip onto the already bloodied ground. He snapped the arrow with a grunt and snatched the axe from his recent victim. He searched for his next enemy and quickly spotted a bandit above another guard, ready to end his life with his spear. Jason felt his heart pound and let out a roar as he charged towards his next target. He was lost in a sea of crimson red.

Brienna heard a female scream from behind her. Lillian. She turned her head to see her father. He had somehow climbed in a window and gotten into the upper rooms. Brienna ran towards the queen's chambers. Once inside she found Lillian with a knife to her throat and her father at it's handle.

"Bring me Elizabeth or I'll kill her!" Her father yelled. He was half out of his mind with fear. He realized he was in trouble when he couldn't find the queen. Lillian's neck was bleeding and she was crying.. Without her at the stairs there were invaders getting into the house. Brienna's father was not scared of her so he just yelled at her.

"Sorry father, I can't give you the queen. If you kill Lillian and me both you still can't have he Elizabeth. I got her out. She is gone."

The rage in her father's eyes showed disbelief. "You are a stupid girl." He violently jerked the knife against Lillian's throat and threw her across the room. He barrelled at his daughter full tilt. Grabbing her dagger from her waist she made one throw and it embedded deep in his stomach. He roared in anger and pulled it out and raised it above his head as he started towards her again. This time he was determined that he was going to kill his daughter.

Jason burst into the mansion's front doors, his uniform torn and bloodied and buried his axe into a fleeing invaders back. He threw him to the side and looked towards another guard who had finished off another invader. "The Queen, Brienna, where are they!?" he shouted as he yanked a knife from the dead invaders cold hands.

The guard panted and pointed towards the stairs. "Not sure where the Queen is, but last I saw Brienna went towards the Queens chambers, but we can't get there," he said and looked towards the stairs filled with men fighting. The guards were holding strong, but the invaders were begining to push through. Past all the fighting he saw Samuel barking orders and cutting down anyone who made it through.

"Samuel! Go to the Queens chambers and find Brienna! Ill finish up here!" he shouted over the chaos. Without listening to his reply he charged in with a few guards into the enemies backs and let out a vicious cry of anger as he plunged his knife into an invaders neck. "Kill them all! Not one leaves here alive!" he roared. The men let out a cry of agreement and began to fight harder. As the blood continued to spill Jason simpily had one thought on his mind, "Please be safe."

Samuel breached the doorway to see Brienna pick up the fireplace poker and she bashed her father's knees hard once causing him to fall. She was in his grasp when Samuel snapped his neck with his bare hands. Brienna fell to the ground gasping for air and massaging her neck. She looked at Samuel and smiled. "Jason?" He chuckled.

"Front hall felling the enemy. Elizabeth?" He inquired.

She grinned. "Hidden in plain sight." She rose and pulled the dagger out of her father's hand and wiped it off before running to Lillian's body. Sadly she left the room with Samuel.

Jason threw an invader over the stairs railing with a grunt and breathed heavily as the fighting continued on. The attackers were beginning to be repelled, but Jason and his fellow guards needed one last good push before they could fully take the battle. Jason raised his drenched axe and took a deep breath before speaking. "Everyone on me! We will send these bastards packing with one last attack!" he shouted. The men looked to him with what was first confusion, but quickly followed Jason's orders and rushed to his side as they formed a new line to cover the stairway. The remaining invaders within the mansion formed their own unorganized clump and gave savage war cries as they charged forward.

Jason was the first to break from the line as he charged forward with his own war cry. "Not one shall leave!" he roared. The men that were at his sides looked to each other before Gregory stepped forward and pointed his sword at Jason.

"Come on lads, to the recruit!" he barked as he followed Jason with a shout. The rest of the guards were quick to respond as they let out a mighty roar and charged forward towards the invaders. Jason threw his knife into the chest of a screaming attacker and delivered a heavy kick to his gut, sending him backward into his friends. Before the entire clump of attackers could come down onto him the guards crashed into them and began to cut away.

Jason swung widely into the enemies ranks and was gifted cries of pain and agony as forms fell to the ground. As Jasons axe had become stuck in an attackers side he let go and tackled another to the ground. He lifted his fist to strike his downed enemy, but felt something similar to a train smash into his back. He fell forward off of his current opponent and felt the air leave his lungs as he scrambled to his hands and knees. He looked over his shoulder to see a man raising a large clup over his head, but before he could bring it down on Jason the young guard kicked the attacker in the knee with a sickening crack. The attacker howled in pain as he fell to the ground and Jason quickly crawled over to him with a look of death in his eyes, but as he neared the man the tip of a spear grazzed his cheek, causing him to jerk away to the side.

Jason felt his exhaustion begin to step in and barely held himself up on shaking arms and knees. He looked around him to see the guards slowly push the attackers back and felt a smile grace his lips as he spotted Gregory rushing towards him. He never heard his words as his hearing became muffled and darkness overtook his vision.

Brienna rushed to Jason's side and and stayed with him until there was an all clear on the house. Samuel picked him up and took him into the parlor and laid him on the couch. The house staff was performing triage an anyone they could try to help. Gregory and Samuel and several others built a large pire just outside of the walls and took all of the dead invaders there. Heads were mounted on pikes and bodies were burned. The fallen guards were gathered and set to be buried the next day.

William was cleaning his own wounds while watching Brienna care for Jason's injuries. Samuel came in and went upstairs to the queen's chambers and lifted the armor off of her. She had been in her father's armor standing still in the very room she would have died in. Brienna had nodded to her when she had picked up the fire poker next to her. The armor had stood in that room since her father had died. It was sheer genius to put her in it.

Elizabeth came out of the room and into the house. Samuel placed Lillian's body with so many of the others. Everything was quite destoyed. Seeing the dead she teared up and wiped her eyes in anger. Brienna's head was pounding and she helped look after some of the others but she had some work to do on Jason. She decided while he was out cold was the best time to remove the arrow. She stuck her hands under the whiskey bottle and dug into the wound carefully pulling muscle away from the arrow so it wouldn't rip it out when she had her mother pull it slowly out of his shoulder. After stitching him up she listened to her mother and sat down next to him. The sun was coming up and it was the day of the party.

"Ow," was the first thing Jason was able to mutter as he came to. His body felt sore and heavy while his head pounded like a drum. He slowly opened his eyes and looked around his surroundings. The first thing he spotted was his angel, Brienna. She didnt seem to hear him as he came to and he slipped his hand on top oher hers with a weak smile. "H-hey, you should be resting," he managed to say in a dry, tired voice.

Brienna turned her head and smiled at him. "I am. Mother is tending to the injured. You have a few stitches and I got the arrow out. I lost Lillian. I didn't protect her quickly enough. I don't know how he got in there. I figured there was a good chance but- " She wiped her tears. "That is why I had Elizabeth hidden, just in case." She squeezed his hand back.

Jason frowned and forced himself up onto his rear with gritted teeth. His wounds burned with pain, but he wanted to speak with her eye-to-eye. As he grunted from his wounds he looked to her and shook his head with shame. "Im sorry I wasnt here, I should have stayed. Maybe if I did I could have helped saved Lillian," he said as he brought her hand to his lips. "I promise I will never leave like that again," he swore in his same dried voice.

Several hours later Brienna awoke on the couch with Jason asleep halfway on her lap sprawled across the couch. Her heavily lidded eyes sprang open after a few minutes. Today was supposed to be the party. There was no way that Elizabeth could hope to continue with the party now. Not a chance, Brienna thought. Carefully she edged herself off of the couch putting Jason's head on the pillow instead. She smiled down at his sleeping form. She didn't want to wake him he needed the sleep. Leaning over she checked his shoulder and found the sewn up wound to be doing well. It was not infected which was half of the battle.

She looked up to see Samuel carrying two bodies out the front door. As the door opened she caught a whiff of putrid stench. She recognized it as the burning flesh of human bodies. The wind had shifted and sent the stench at the house for now. It took a lot for her stomach to settle down. Elizabeth was barking orders and working on cleaning up the house with everyone else. There were guards that were working on burying the dead guards and Lillian.

Brienna walked over to Elizabeth. "Thank you for letting me sleep. What are you doing? Shouldn't we head back to the castle to let them clean up and regroup here?"

"I have a party to throw tonight." Elizabeth said with a determined smile.

"You can't be serious! We couldn't possibly get this place ready in time. People will be arriving in just a couple of hours! Our guard is exhausted and they need sleep. Who is going to protect us tonight?"

Samuel came up behind her and grinned. "We will be okay Brienna. Some are sleeping now and we will just take turns is all. How's Jason doing? He was quite a beast on the battlefield today."

Brienna smiled, glad to hear that Jason was not grieving any longer. "I am happy to hear that. he has done himself and me proud." She looked up to see her mother bringing up laundry for dressing for the party.

Jason's eyes slowly opened and winced from the sharp pain in his shoulder. He forced himself up to his rear and rubbed his parched throat. He shook his head as he saw a pitcher of water across the room and swung his legs off of the couch. He took a deep breath and pushed himself onto his feet. He stumbled a bit from his shaking legs and it took him a few seconds to get his balance. As he composed himself he limped to table with the pitcher and sighed. "Today's gonna be a good day," he mumbled sarcastically with a dry, scratchy voice.

As he reached the table he didnt waste anytime pouring himself a glass and simply drank from the pitcher itself. The cool fresh water drizzled down his chin and onto his torn, stained shirt. As he finished half the pitcher he caught something from the edge of his vision and looked to his left to see a maid watching with a slightly opened mouth. Jason lowered the pitcher and cleared his throat before grinning. "Thirsty," he chuckled before coughing a bit. His throat felt nearly raw, no doubt from all of the screaming he did last night. He groaned and and spoke to the maid. "So, where is Brienna? With the Queen right?" he asked as he placed the pitcher back onto the table.

"Y-yes sir, they are making arrangements for the party," Jason raised an eyebrow.

"Party, really? That is kinda, strange," he said and shook his head. "Anyway, I think there is a reason you are visiting me, or are you trying to get out of work?" he joked, though she didnt seem to know that. She shook her head franticly.

"No, no sir I would never! I was just told to come check up on you," Jason chuckled and gestured to himself.

"Well, as you can see Im up and alive. No problems here," he said with a grin. "Though, if ya can bring a change of clothes and point me in the direction of the nearest bath, I would appreciate that," he requested. The maid nodded and left the room in a hurry. As she left he let his smile fall and rubbed the bridge of his nose. The night had been rough on him, but he knew others had it much worse. He sighed and looked to his patched up wound on his shoulder. He barely remembered getting the wound, but now that he thinks about it he barely remembers the battle. Only flashes of death, fire and crimson red fill his memories and it only adds the the pounding pain that beats away at his skull.

He groaned and held his head with frustration. Soon enough the maid returned, handed Jason his new clothes and pointed him to the nearest bath. Jason thanked the young maid and proceeded to follow her instructions. As he limped through the hallways he passed a few guards and gave them a respectful nod. They looked as battered and tired as him and it almost made him feel guilty for taking a bath while they continued their work, but Jason needed to clear his mind or he would go crazy with frustration. Soon he arrived to a fancy looking room and was greeted by another maid. "Hello sir, I have already prepared your bath, please relax and call if you need anything," Jason nodded to the rather pretty maid and entered the room.

If he wasnt already commited to another he would have flirted with her. He chuckled and shook his head at the idea and closed the door before pealing out of his clothes. The bath was filled to the brim with warm water and Jason couldnt help but smile as he sunk into the tub. He let out a long sigh of relief and let his mind drift off to another world.

Brienna listened to Elizabeth and her reasoning was sound but the reality of the staff was questionable. Would they even be able to get the house let alone the people ready? Elizabeth had retired to her room to bathe and dress. Brienna's mother was ready to jump in and take care of dressing the queen so Brienna could get ready. Elizabeth had explained Brienna's role in her employment to her mother. Her mother had just stared in awe of her daughter and imediately understood her argument against her arranged marriage.

Brienna was met in the hallway by a maid coming out of a room. "Miss Brienna? Were you in need of a bath as well?" Brienna didn't even answer that. She looked at her as if she couldn't believe she had asked that. "My lady your warrior is in this room bathing." She winked at her and disappeared down the stairs. Brienna wasn't sure what to do with that information. Did he have clean clothes? Did he ask for her or need something? She hesitated and knocked at the door.

She opened the door to speak to him. "Jason? Did you need anything?" She saw the brass tub with claw feet and only his head and neck was visible above it. "I was told you were in here. Is everything okay?"

Jason's thoughts seemed blurry as the a chaotic scene unfolded, but he felt no fear or dread, just numbness. He watched the blurry memory and didnt know how to react to it, but before he could find the right reaction he heard a familiar voice that filled him with peace. He opened his eyes and looked towards the rooms entrance to see Brienna. He smiled and lifted himself up in the bathtub while making sure his business was still under water. "Brienna, fancy seeing you here. What, are you some kind of pervert or something?" he joked before wincing at the sharp pain in his shoulder. "Damn it," he hissed in frustration. He looked to her with red cheeks and gestured for her to come to him. "Look this may sound like I'm pulling something, but could you help me? I can barely reach around my back without hurting something, I have just been sitting here soaking in water."

Brienna nodded and entered the room and closing the door. She walked over to the bath, picked up the things she needed and dropped to her knees to better reach him. She felt her cheeks blush as she lathered up the cloth. She had bathed men before but this was different. This was not an old man.

Being a nobleman's daughter meant she had only given baths to very few men, usually children or helped ladies with theirs. She tried to look at him without blushing and she found that difficult to do. First she worked on washing his hair and then she scrubbed him clean. She purposely tried to ignore his manly parts although she accidentally ran into them a time or two while bathing him. Each time she breathed in suddenly and turned even pinker in the face. She had never given such a nerve wracking bath before. Her breathing was a little faster than it should have been.

Her eyes met his the third time it happened and the look on his face struck her as hilarious and she grabbed his foot and yanked him under water. When he popped back up she was laughing at him.

As Jason emerged from the water he looked to a laughing Brienna and stared at her with shock before grinning with evil intentions. "Oh, thats funny eh? Then this is gonna kill ya!" he shouted as he splashed a handful of water onto her. He cackled and held his sore ribs. The pain was so worth her look.

Brienna's response was shock and then she splashed him in the face and she reached across the tub for the soap.

His smiled remained as the water splashed against his face, but as Brienna reached over for the soap a large smile crawled onto his face. "We ain't done yet honey!" he chuckled as he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into the bath with him all the while laughing at his deed.

Brienna shrieked as she went under water. She splashed to the surface and put her hands down so she wouldn't go back underneath. Her face turned bright pink when she realized what parts of him she was touching. "Oh no!" She sat up and quickly brought her hands out of the water and she put them onto the sides of the tub to right herself. She was sopping wet and she saw his ridiculous grin and she splashed him so hard that he gasped for air. Her laughter rang out.

He coughed between his laughter and wiped his face before looking to Brienna. He smile was large and her laughter was like heavens harps playing just for him. It was as if last nights battle never occurred. He smiled softly, placed his hand onto one of hers and leaned in close to her face to place a deep kiss onto her lips.

Brienna's heart began doing flip flops and she felt the heat spread throughout her entire body as he kissed her. She automatically moved closer to him and her arms wound around his neck as she kissed him back.

Jason felt his mind wander as he became lost in pleasure. The smell of her hair, the taste of her lips, the softness of her skin, it all nearly made him mad. He slipped his hands down her waist and began to gently rub them up and down to feel her soft and pleasurable curves. He broke the kiss and flashed a quick smirk before softly kissing the side of her neck with as much passion as he could give.

Brienna had kissed a man before but not like this. Jason's hands were touching her through the water but still managed to set her skin on fire. Her breathing had quickened and she allowed herself to sit above him on his lap. There was no other way to sit while kissing him. She chuckled softly as he tickled her side just a little. Her dress had no underskirts to it so she was very able to tell when he responded to her physically. She felt him rise and her pulse rose drastically but she didn't move. Instead she began to kiss him more deeply and she whispered, "Jason." Huskily in his ear.

Jason kissed her earlobe and hugged her tightly, her soft body gently grinding against his. "Brienna, my angel," he whispered back and let his hands travel down her back and to her rear. He slowly dragged her dress up and slipped his hands under it to feel her smooth skin. Lust was now clouding his mind as he continued to kiss her deeply. He broke the kiss one more time and looked to her. "Please, be with me forever," he pleaded in a heavy breath.

Brienna's body jerked as he touched her bare skin. Her eyes were glazed over with her arousal and excitement. At his words she nodded and allowed him to maneuver her into position above him. "I will be yours for all time." Feeling him there just under her caused her breathing to become more labored. She kissed him aggressively and allowed herself to touch him almost everywhere as she explored his hard body.

Jason gently lowered her into a lower position and felt his male pride rub against her. He shuddered with excitement and raised her dress up to expose her breast. He gently kissed them and moved his hand down to his manhood and placed the tip into position. He looked to her and kissed her deeply as he slowly entered into a world of blissful pleasure.

Brienna had never felt so full. He fit very tightly and she automatically moved to make him fit better and as he slid into place she gasped. Her eyes got slightly bigger and her comprehension of what the other women spoke of behind closed doors started to make sense to her as they moved against one another. Brienna seemed unable to kiss him enough or able to hold him tightly enough to her and at the same time she had never felt so free and yet tied to him. She never wanted him to be without him again.

Jasons head slight tilted backwards from the intense pleasure of her seemingly tightening around his member. He began to thrust gently, but as they began to lose themsleves he couldnt help but pick up the pace. He kissed and suckled on her breast as he maneuvered his body from under her. He gently slipped onto his knees while making sure he didnt exit her and rested her onto the tub's side as he held her up. Once they were in position and her legs had wrapped around him he continued his thrusting as he held her close to his body.

Brienna trusted him completely. It never occurred to her that he might drop her or accidentally knock the tub over while they made love. As his lips and mouth latched onto her breast she felt the most incredible feelings all the way into her groin and although she had heard that many women never enjoyed sex she was altogether in another world of pleasure and bliss. So many feelings of intense pleasure were running loose all over her body she couldn't seem to get control of them and when her body hit a high that she couldn't control, her body clenched tightly around him so hard that it hurt in the most fantastic way possible. Not expecting it she had not realized that she might cry out loudly.

Jason panted heavily as he felt her tighten around him and kissed her breast. He gave a small smile and rose from the tub with her still within his grasp. He carefully stepped out of the tub and carried his lover to the wall. He leaned her back against the wall and grasped her rear with both hands to hold her up. He smirked and nibbled on her neck. "Wanted to get out of that damn tub," he chuckled before losing himself once again in the lust. He squeezed her rear and only continued to pick up the pace.

Brienna was lost in an ocean of feelings that threatened to drown her. She had never imagined that it was like this. She held onto him and grasped tightly with her legs around him. He was moving within her so quickly that her body was no longer her own and it seemed to respond without her ability to control it in any way. Each of her touches seemed to make him drive into her harder and more uncontrolled himself. It suddenly dawned on her that they were being fairly loud, especially her. Through her glazed eyes she stared at her love and she just didn't care what anyone else thought. They were the only two who mattered. Brienna kissed him so deeply that she thought she might get lost in his kisses.

Jason chuckled deeply as he watched Brienna begin to lose herself, though he couldn't talk seeing as how he was close behind her. He wrapped his good arm around her as he let his free hand travel down towards her lower section. He smirked as he let his thumb gently massage her delicate rosebud. "How long can you last?" he chuckled through his heavy breathing.

"What?" She asked. What did he mean? Her mind was drugged by the hormones her body was drowning her in. Her labored breathing was starting to even out a little until he hit just the right place and she felt her body explode like never before. Every part of her reverberated with the pleasure it caused, shaking she clutched onto him.

Jason felt her tighten up and gasped in shock as the pleasure began to build up with his manhood. He thrust deep and faster then before all the while tending to her sensitive button with his fingers. He kissed her deeply and felt his body tense up as the sudden wave of his climax filled every inch of his body and emptied into his lover.

Brienna's body straightened out against the wall as she slid down it while kissing him. Her satisfaction was obvious as was her blushing. Not knowing what to say she just blushed and leaned into his embrace. Suddenly she remembered the party and also that the dress she had been wearing was in the tub soaking wet.

She moved to the tub and put on her dress and tried to squeeze some of the water out of it. She looked outside of the door and turned back to him and smiled with the most brilliant smile she had ever given. "I love you and I'll see you at the party." With that she disappeared out of the room.

@Joker892

Brienna had gotten ready in a hurry. It was lucky she was used to getting herself ready for the most part. She thought about Lillian for a moment and she had a hard time not crying and as she calmed herself down she thought of her recent venture into adult life with a man and she blushed to herself. She knew the rooms were mostly soundproof because the walls were so thick but she still couldn't get her mind off of Jason. She glanced at herself in the mirror and smiled. She loved the dress Elizabeth had sent over for her. It was seductive and sweet at the same time. It had a sheer lace overlay that covered and yet complimented her curves. Her heart was full and she was wondering what he would say or think when he saw her.

When she went out to the hallway she saw Samuel and Gregory and some of the others still running around. There were guests everywhere.What had happened had become common knowledge quickly and so none of the guests made a sound about the less than perfect attire of the help or guard.

Elizabeth had sent her a note and it said something interesting on it. Jason was not required to work tonight. She wondered why and then it dawned on her. He was injured. She knew he was coming to the party so she checked with Samuel on the security of the property and to see where they were on all of that.

Elizabeth saw her as soon as she entered the ballroom and smiled. She had had her maid had sent her in to Jason with hopes that things would progress and she was very aware that they had. Proof was written all over Brienna's face and she had no idea.

Jason wore a large smile as he limped down the hallway towards the room he had awoken in earlier. The pain within his body still lingered, but the raging fire in his heart numbed his wounds as he hummed a few tunes to himself. The day had started out rather painful or annoying, but now his world seemed to shine brighter than ever. His love for Brienna was now sky rocketing through the roof and he wasnt afraid to show it. He entered his room and gave a happy sigh as he limped towards the balcony that overlooked the court yard. As he reached the railing he looked down to the court yard to see guest flooding into the estate. He shook his head and rested his chin on his fist.

"Can't believe we are having a party after last night's nightmare," he mumbled to himself and shrugged. "Guess this is the past and people are less affected by shit like this," he reasoned with himself. He took his attention away from the courtyard and simply looked up towards the sky. The sky was blue and the clouds lazily floated along the sky. It was peaceful and his smile only grew as he thought about her. He scoffed at the fact that he was able to literally fall into her life. Though as he thought about his smile slowly faded into a small frown.

He had almost forgotten about his situation of being from the future and let his thoughts drift towards his family. No doubt his father is still searching for him in every inch of the woods, and his sisters are worried sick about him. His sisters. Jason felt his head lower as he remembered his littlest sister Emily. She must have been scared for life after seeing her big brother get torn away from her in such a horrifying way. Plus, who was going to believe her? The very idea of someone getting sucked up by a green portal from a freaking carved out boulder seemed insane to him. Yet it happened and only he and Emily knew it. He shook his head and sighed. For all he knew he would never see them again.

Brienna was hurrying around finishing up last minute touches as guests arrived. She wondered where Jason was. She wondered if his shoulder had become more painful after their activities. Maybe it had started bleeding again. Her brow furrowed in worry and she turned as she gave an order to one of the maids and caught William's eyes on her. He had been watching her carefully and he was not happy. She walked over thinking that there was something that she needed to fix.

"Hello William, is there something wrong? You look bothered about something."

"You look beautiful in that gown Brienna but there is something more. You are radiant. There is a happy glow about you that wasn't there before." Angrily he took her hand and pulled her outside through the nearest door.

"You've been with him haven't you?"

Immediately she became defensive. "Whether or not I have or not is not any of your business! What gives you the right to question me about who I spend my time with?"

"The right?" William dropped her hand and walked a couple of steps away in frustration. "You don't understand that he is not like you. He is very different from us. It seems like he just fell out of the clear blue sky!"

Brienna stumbled over what to say, "He is just like us and so what if he showed up out of the blue most people do. Why do you dislike him?"

"Because he is going to hurt you!" William said.

"No he isn't, you'll see." Brienna walked past him and he grabbed her hand and she stopped in her tracks still angry with him. "Leave me alone William."

William went to kiss her but she anticipated that and she turned her face away from him. "I have work to do." She pushed past him and went back inside the mansion and took a deep breath once inside.

William came back inside and went to get a bottle of whiskey. Brienna had disappeared already and he was determined to figure out how to change her mind about him.

After a few minutes of wandering within his mind Jason had decided that he needed to clear his mind with a walk, or limp in his condition. He left his room and travelled through the halls with a distant look on his face. His earlier thoughts still bothered him, but he did his best to ignore them and continued down the hallway. Soon he came across a rather frustrated looking Brienna and smiled as he waved her down. "Hey, Brienn- ow!" he winced as he made the mistake of waving with his bad arm. He held his wound and chuckled with bitter amusement. "Really need to be more careful with that," he muttered before limping towards Brienna.

Brienna looked up and smiled seeing Jason. She was still a little rattled by William's behavior but she brushed it off. Walking up to Jason she slid her arms around his waist and hugged him. Leaning back she kissed his cheek and grinned at him. "It can't be that bad if you can forget about it."

Noticing people's looks at her familiarity with him she pulled back and walked with him. She still had to keep up appearances. She was aware that she had to figure out how to be who she was and how to handle the relationship she was now in.

Once inside the ballroom she pulled him to Elizabeth's throne where she was sitting. Elizabeth was grinning from ear to ear the instant she saw them together. She wondered what Brienna would say to her plan if she had any idea.

Jason was happy to walk, or limp by Briennas side and didnt pay much attention to people's looks towards the two. He didn't care what people thought, but it was clear Brienna had to. He didnt blame her, she is the Queen's bodyguard so it's to be expected. Though once she had pulled him towards the Queen's throne he raised an eyebrow and gave a quick, respectful bow to Elizabeth. "My Queen, it is good to see you," he said and leaned over to Brienna. "Am I in trouble or something?" he asked in a hushed voice.

Brienna chuckled softly. "No I think it is quite likely that you are to be praised. Samuel and the injured guard have been singing your praises from what I heard."

Elizabeth loved being queen and she stood and within a moment or so the room quieted. Brienna quietly backed away from Jason and she stood next to the queen as she usually did. Elizabeth's enthusiasm rang out in her voice when she said,

"I have an announcement to make. One of our guard has gone above and beyond what is expected today and he deserves to be rewarded. Jason you carried out an injured member of the guard out of battle knowing that it would likely be the last thing you did. I am happy that it was not. It has also been brought to my attention that you fought while severely injured." Elizabeth glanced at his injuries and then glanced at his eyes on Brienna and tried not to chuckle.

"It is my pleasure to bestow upon you the title of Lord and grant you the deed to Avery Manor."

Brienna's expression never changed but the light in her eyes got brighter. Elizabeth just elevated Jason so she could marry him if he asked her. When she looked up at Jason she caught his surprise and she wondered if he realized what it meant.

Elizabeth handed him a deed and proof of his new title and lordship. There was a lot of clapping and the music began playing again.

Jason stood within the ballroom as if he were a statue and stared at the deed with shock. Did that really just happen? He looked up to the Queen, then back to the deed, once again to the Queen and finally back to the deed. Yep, this actually happened. He let a smile crawl onto his face as he rubbed the back of his head with a bashful chuckle. Though inside he was hesitant. He knew he was just granted a huge honor, but he just became a freaking Lord! The title sounded too big for him to handle, but he looked to Brienna and coudn't help but feel his hesitation disappear. She seemed happy for him and her happiness spread to him. He thanked the Queen, gave a bow and limped over to Brienna with a grin. "Lord? Can you believe it?" he asked with disbelief.

Brienna nodded and kissed his cheek. She felt a lot of eyes on her and she pulled back and cast her eyes down for a moment. Turning to Elizabeth she relayed her appreciation in a look and Elizabeth nodded happily and motioned for them to go dance.

Brienna took Jason's hand and let him lead her to the side of the dance floor. She knew he wasn't really up to fast dancing and she was content to be able to speak with him. "I do believe it. You deserve it. While fighting it is rare for people to bring one another back alive if it might cost the life of either. It was very brave of you."

"Do you really understand what she gave you?" The look on his face told her he wasn't entirely certain so she continued on. "She gave you my father's estate and title. She elevated you in status so you are at the same level that I am now. It means also that you now have money and you no longer are part of the guard. You have a home and lands and you are nobility. You can farm your land and your employees will look to you now. They live on your property." And at that moment she didn't know how to bring it up- "William?"

A very drunk William had heard the announcement and angrily stumbled up to Brienna and Jason and his arms were wide open and he declared quite loudly, "So I guess that means you are now going to m'marry Brienna doesn't it! You had better or I'll make sure the queen knows what you did!"

Brienna looked around to see that the room was staring at them and making judgements on her virtue. She suddenly felt like a small bug about to be squished with a shoe.

Jason simply stared at William with raised eyebrows as he watched him shout on about marriage and telling the Queen what he had done. Though he wondered what exactly he had done. He smirked a bit a glanced over to Brienna before seeing her uncomfortable look. A frown came to his face as he looked around the room and felt a bit annoyed by all the looks that were directed towards them. He looked back to William with a stern look before wrapping his arm around Brienna, pulling her in close and looked to the rest of the crowd.

"Well now that you bring it up, yes! Yes I will marry her!" he shouted even louder within the ballroom. His voice echoed and a large grin was planted on his face as he held his guardian angel close. He looked to Brienna with a softer smile and raised her head up with a single finger under her chin. "All of the power and riches that have just been given to me can never come close to replacing you. Brienna, will you give me the greatest reward with your hand in marriage?" he asked softly.

Brienna's eyes teared up and she nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him solidly on the lips. "Yes I will marry you. There is nothing I want more."

From the cheers of the crowd Elizabeth's smile was exuberant and she was thrilled beyond measure. She looked at Samuel with a forced frown. "I'm losing my personal bodyguard. And at the moment I can't think of anything better." Samuel chuckled and nodded to one of the guards and he walked over and took William outside so he wouldn't make anymore scenes.

---

Jason let out a sigh of relief as he watched the sun rise from the nights darkness and smiled. Today was the day. He stretched his limbs until a pop came to his ears and chuckled. "Well, time to become a married man," he said to himself before re-entering his room. Fancy, well made clothes were spread out across his bed he lifted up a nice looking shirt. He shrugged and proceeded to put it on. "Not a suit, but it will do," he said as he began dressing into his clothes. Once he was done he walked to a mirror and gave a cocky smile as he struck a pose. "Looking good my Lord," he chuckled and shook his head. He was still getting use to the whole Lord thing, but he knew he would get use to it in time.

Soon a knock came to his door and he looked towards it with a raised eyebrow. "Come in!" he said. The door opened and he smiled as he saw Samuel and Gregory walk in with large grins. They bowed and Jason couldn't help but smirk. "Please don't do that," he said with a chuckle. Both the guards gave their own chuckles and closed the door behind them.

"Well Jason, how do ya feel?" Samuel asked.

"Yeah, you must be feeling pretty good. You are to marry a blushing bride and ride away to your very own piece of land. What other rookie guard can say that?" he asked with a grin. Jason rubbed the back of his head and grinned.

"I will admit it is an amazing feeling, but I wish I could bring you all along with us," he said. Samuel shook his head with a smile.

"No lad, you are to start your own life with your beloved and live happily," he said and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You have earned this Jason, so take this path with pride and joy," Jason smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, you really are a good friend. Both of you are," he said looking over to Gregory with a grin. Gregory chuckled and jabbed his thumb towards the door.

"Well, enough talk then, it's time you go and meet the bride," Jason took a deep breath and nodded as he followed the two out the door.

Brienna looked at herself in the mirror. She almost didn't recognize herself. She was a little startled at how much her life had changed over the last couple of weeks. She had watched her mother become Elizabeth's companion and friend. Without her father around her mother had two choices. Stay at court with Elizabeth or live with her daughter. She didn't want to move in right away and she had never been on her own so she chose courtlife.

Brienna had been happy to see her spread her wings a little and make friends at court. She was currently putting the finishing touches on Brienna's hair and she looked at her daughter in the mirror and tears threatened and finally slipped down her cheeks. "I am so happy for you Brienna. You couldn't have made me a prouder mother. I am sorry I wasn't always able to show it to you when I should have. Sometimes it was better not to say anything around your father."

Brienna stopped her by putting her hand on her mother's. "I know." Brienna stood and hugged her mother. "I'm so excited, and nervous and I can't wait. I had almost given up the idea of marriage. I was certain that I would stay by Elizabeth my whole life. I can't even describe the way he makes me feel mother. It's, it's just so...perfect between us."

Samuel knocked on the door and broke into a wide grin when he saw her. "I am blessed to walk such a lovely lady down the aisle. Your husband to be awaits you and I must say he is a lucky man." Her mother chuckled and nodded.

"Yes he is."

Brienna took Samuel's arm in hers and she let him lead her to Jason. When she saw him at the end of the aisle all she could think about was that they would never be alone again. She wouldn't have to run from her father or anyone else. Jason wouldn't leave her, she was sure of that. But what if it happened again? What if he got sucked out of her life? Her nerves seemed to just disappear when he looked into her eyes and she smiled reassured that her fears were silly.

Jasons heart pounded like a drum as he laid his eyes on her. He was taken back from her beauty and smiled from ear to ear. This was to be his wife! She truly looked like an angel from heaven. He cleared his throat as she reached him and gave Samuel a thankful nod as he took a step back. Jason looked to Brienna's eyes and held her hands gently. "So, ya ready?" he asked in a hushed voice.

Brienna nodded. She was so happy and she was afraid that if she spoke she might cry. "Yes" She said quietly.

As they turned to the Priest, Elizabeth watched on just a little jealous that she couldn't find someone to love that could be someone she was allowed to marry. Her eyes momentarily landed on her own love and she glanced back at Brienna's mother and saw her eyes shining almost as brightly as her daughter's. After the Priest spoke in latin for a while then in english and the vows were done he finally pronounced them man and wife and Brienna didn't hear any of it. She had been so focussed on Jason that she barely heard anything the man had said.

Jasons smile was soft as he kissed Brienna deeply. His heart raced, his mind exploded and his world had brightened up just for him. As he pulled away from the kiss he looked at his wife and chuckled as he gently rested his forehead against hers. "Well, its offical, you are stuck with me forever," he grinned.

"I can live with that." Brienna claimed. Her arms wound around his neck for a second kiss and there were roars from the audience and Elizabeth and Brienna's mother laughed.

After a couple of hours of celebrating the Lord and lady entered a carriage and left to spend their first night as a married couple in their own home. A little giddy and ridiculously happy Brienna leaned into her husband's arms inside the carriage.

The ride to their new home was a rather nice one. Jason and his wife simply talked or adored each others company as the carriage travelled along the dirt road. Though Jason did feel a bit uneasy as he recalled the last time he was travelling with a carriage, but as Brienna caught his sight he lost any worries and enjoyed the ride. Two hours had passed without any troubles and the newly married couple arrived. Jason stepped out from the carriage and quickily turned around as Brienna began to follow him. Jason smirked and before she could set a foot on the ground Jason gently picked her up and held her like the princess she was. "No, Im carrying you to our new life," he chuckled and kissed her forehead.

Brienna felt herself blush as she smiled probably the silliest grin she'd ever had. Wrapping her arms around his neck she looked at the manor. She hadn't been inside of it in over three years. Elizabeth had sent William and some of the others out to fix it to the standards that she wanted for Brienna and Jason. Pain in the ass that he could be, but William's work was impeccable and beautiful.

As the driver opened the door for them Brienna giggled a little and her breath caught in her throat as she saw the inside of the front hall. "Oh! It's gorgeous!" She wiggled in his arms just enough to slide to her feet. She took his hand in hers and pulled him from room to room. By the time she got to the upstairs she was nearly in shock at how perfect it all was.

Jason couldn't help but smile at Brienna's expressions. They were actually very cute and amusing, though as he looked at the rooms he was dragged through he couldn't blame her. Everything was perfect. The rooms were filled with the fanciest furniture he had ever seen and everything was practically sparkling! Their main room though sort caught him off guard. Their bed was massive enough to fit four people, a shining chandelier hung above the center of the room and the furniture was out of this world. He chuckled and spun Brienna around before wrapping his arms around her. "Got to admit this place is nice," he said with a grin.

"Nice? Oh, it's better than nice. It's jaw dropping. I guess this is Elizabeth's way of showing her appreciation." Feeling his arms around her she began kissing her new husband. It had been tough on them with her mother sharing her room the last week or so. No private time at all and now that they had that she was not going to let him off the hook.

"I've missed you. We can finally be alone."

Jason let a large grin spread onto his face and chuckled as he pulled her in closer. He gently ran his hands up her spine and placed a kiss on her lips. "I was just thinking the same thing," he chuckled and picked her up while keeping their lips locked together. He carried her to the bed and gently rested her onto the beds soft surface. He let his kisses travel down to her neck and slowly slid his hands up her legs and thighs. He could already feel himself become excited from the mere smell of her hair.

Brienna chuckled huskily as her breathing became heavier with her arousal. Her hands wandered over his body and she began undoing buttons and discarding his clothing as quickly as her nervous hands could. She managed to kick her shoes off only seconds before her dress made it's way to the floor. Her slip was next and when she was finally nude she looked up at his eyes and saw the depths darken and the look of hunger was both thrilling and contagious. She automatically went to cover herself with her hands a little embarrassed. They'd only been together that one time and that was a few weeks ago.

Jason looked down at Brienna and couldn't help but chuckle at the adorable sight. He slowly peeled her hands away and held them gently as he kissed her deeply. As he pulled away from the kiss her pulled her close to him to allow his manhood to make itself known to her. He cleared a strand of hair from her face and smiled softly. "Its just you and me, nothing to be embarrassed about. Besides, I'm just as exposed as you are," he said and gestured to his naked form.

Brienna felt his maleness against her and felt her heartbeat quicken by double.Wrapping her arms around his neck she buried her face into his neck and began to kiss him as he lay her on the bed beneath him.

@joker892

Jasons eyes slowly crept open only to be assaulted by the morning light that slipped through their windows curtains. "Ugh, screw you sun," he muttered and went to get up from his bed, but stopped as he felt something hold him down. He looked down and smiled softly to see an adorable looking Brienna laying on his chest with a blissful smile on her face. He gazed at her with joy for a few seconds and cleared a few strands of hair that blocked her natural beauty. As for what felt like several minutes Jason forced himself to slip out from under his wife and laid her gently down onto the bed to ensure he didnt wake her. As exited the bed chuckled and let out a small yawn. "Well, time to get started," he whispered to himself as he went dress himself.

A couple of moments later Brienna opened her eyes. Rolling over onto her back she stretched out while watching her husband get dressed. "Good morning, I trust you slept well?" She raised up holding the sheet over herself modestly. She leaned over to the edge of the bed and slipped her feet to the floor letting the sheet fall as she got up and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"What do you have planned for the day? Anything exciting? Any questions you have about how the property runs your foreman should be able to answer. His name is Henry." Brienna walked over to their luggage and was getting out a day dress that would allow her to move quite freely. She wanted to see everything on the property.

A groan escaped Jason as he slipped his pants on and looked to Brienna with a sad look. "I was hoping to spend the day with my new wife, but I should have a talk with this Henry. Might as well get a bit of info on our new home and how it works," he said with a sigh. As he sat down to put on his boots he looked up to Brienna and smirked. "What do you have planned?" he asked with a grunt as he forced the boot onto his foot. He really missed his sneakers.

Brienna chuckled softly as she pushed him backwards onto his back on the bed. "For a man who wants to spend time with his new wife you have a lot of clothes on." She kissed him for several moments and slid off of him to the floor. Teasing him was a good way to keep her in his mind she figured and smiled to herself. "Wow, it's getting hot in here. Maybe I should open a window." She grinned.

Jason felt his cheeks grow warm as he gave all of his attention towards his wife. He grinned and picked her up with his arms and held her close. "Ya know youre getting real good at that whole sexy wife thing. I think youre a fast learner," he joked and kissed her deeply. As he pulled away and lowered her back to the floor he chuckled and grabbed his shirt while eyeing Brienna. "And its best to keep those windows closed for now, wouldnt want to wake up the Queen now, would we?" he chuckled and kissed her forehead before walking off towards the door. "Lets meet up later around lunch, I should be free by then," he said and gave a quick wave before exiting the room and began his search for Henry.

Brienna grinned and let herself fall backwards into her bed and lay there in awe of the changes her life had taken in these last couple of months. She thought about Jason and her thoughts took a turn for the serious for a couple of moments. What would she do if he were ripped away from her. After a few minutes of this thinking she shoved those thoughts right out of her head.

Thinking of their lovemaking the night before made her blush and she got up and made their bed. She knew she had a maid for that but sometimes she just liked to do it. Brienna fixed her hair and put on a necklace and left the room to greet her staff and see how things were running in the house.

It didn't take long for her to see that there were a few things that she wanted to change. Brienna spent a large part of her day going through housekeeping duties with her maids and the cook. By the time lunch got there she was already tired.

It took Jason at least thirty minutes to find this Henry fellow, but he ended up finding him talking with a few of the workers of the estate. As they saw Jason they quickly ceased their conversations and gave respectful bows as he reached them. A man within his thirties smiled kindly and bowed his head. "My Lord, it is good to finally meet you," he said. Jason rubbed the back of his head and chuckled. He was still trying to get use to his title.

"Um, you may rise now," he said with an attempt at sounding like a real leader. He failed and just ended up sounding like a crappy actor in a crummy play. The wokers raised their heads and smiled towards their new lord. The man in his thirties introduced himself as Henry and Jason felt a bit of relief. "Good, Im happy I found you Henry. I was hoping I could speak with you about the estate and what you can tell me about its conditions," Henry kept his kind smile and nodded.

"Of course my Lord, it would be my pleasure," he said and gestured for a walk around the mansion. Jason accepted and the two walked together talking about the esates current status. Jason was happy to hear that the people were happy and productions were going well, but bit his lip at the mention of a few recent disappearances that had occured within a village near by. They were to come speak with him later today in hopes he could help them find the cause of the disappearances. Jason nodded and listened to ever yword that came from Henry. It wouldnt hurt to inspect the issue would it?

After Jason was up to date on the estate Henry offered a tour in other parts of the land, but Jason politley rejected the offer seeing as how it was close to lunch time and he wouldnt mind spending it with his wife. Henry nodded and understood completely. They said their goodbyes and Jason made his way to the dinning room. As he arrived through the doors he let out a groan and stretched his limbs. "Whats on the menu today?" he asked with a chuckle as he took a seat next to Brienna. He looked over to her and nearly jumped to see a slightly tired Brienna sitting next to him. He raised an eyebrow and smirked. "That busy already?" he asked with a chuckle.

Brienna nodded. "You wouldn't believe how things have changed. It's probably me. I got used to things running like they do at the castle. Maybe I'm asking too much of them but I really don't think so."

After eating she decided that she wanted some fresh air. "Let's go for a ride around the property and I'll show you the borders and everything." She smiled at her husband and waited for his answer. "Unless you want to do womething else?" She flirted.

Jason wipped his mouth with a cloth and chuckled as he rose from his seat. "You have no idea how hard it is to have to hold off on that, but a ride would be nice and helpful," he said and helped her up from her seat. They walked along side each other and arrived at the stables. Jason aided Brienna onto her mount and quickly lifted himself onto his. After getting a feel for the mount he moved to her side and gestured for them to go on. "Shall we?" he asked with a smile.

Brienna grinned happily and they rode all over the property for the next couple of hours. By the time they were finished she had given him a lot of information. She was happy to see the farming land and the animals. Seeing the houses in disrepair upset her and she asked to come in and see the structures. The tenants were more then happy to have them looking to see what repairs needed to be made.

When they got back to the house she was still fuming about the state of the tenants houses. "My father was just a terrible landlord! We have to fix those houses." She knew who she needed to come help but there were issues between them and William. She sighed.

"We need William to come work on the houses. He will fix them right and not overcharge. I know you two aren't the best of friends."

Jason chuckled and looked to Brienna with a raised eyebrow. "Whaaat? Me and William are like brothers," he joked. He shook his head and waved a hand. "No, but I will get it done. William will do the job, and if he doesnt we will find someone else. Someone like me!" he said and jabbed his thumb into his chest.

Surprised, Brienna looked at him suspiciously. "Do you know anything about carpentry or building things? "

Jason nodded and flexed one of his arms. "Of course I do, I helped my dad make repairs to the barns and house after strong storms. I was able to do it all after he had been sick in bed one time," he said and glanced back to the homes. "Tools are a bit different, but I can easily fix that stuff, but if you rather William to do it then I can talk to him," he said and looked back to her.

Not wanting to make him think that she didn't trust his abilities she nodded. "My lord, If you wish to work on it with the men on the property I would love to see that. If there is anything you have trouble with you can always call William in to help later."


Brienna had heard something earlier in the day and asked him, "Did I hear correctly? Did someone say something about people disappearing? Do you know anything about that?"


Jason nodded slowly with a stern look. "Henry informed me about and told me what he could. People of all ages have been taken in the night and no signs of them have been found. Im gonna be meeting a few of the villagers today to speak with them about the issues and Im gonna help them if I can," he said and shook his head. "Hopfully we can find the missing people, but its not looking good."

A chill ran up Brienna's spine. "We need to make certain that all houses have locks from the inside and that they are protected somehow." She thought for a moment. "Do we know if they are mostly men or women? children or adults? Is there a pattern?"

This news distressed her immensely. This had never happened before and she wondered if her father had had anything going on that she had no idea about.

Jason saw her distress and gently grasped her hand with a kind smile and soft eyes. "Brienna, I know this is a bit stressful for a first day, but believe me when I say we will get to the bottom of this. We will make sure to find the missing, be they alive or not, and return them to their loved ones. It is our job to ensure our people of their safety and peace of mind. As the new owners of the land we will do our job and stop whatever is happening," he finished with his hand slight tighter around her.

Brienna smiled at Jason and hugged him tighter to her. "I hope no one else gets hurt or goes missing." She made a mental note to let Elizabeth know that there have been disappearances. She knew that sometimes the castle had more answers than the property they were about.

@Wick

Brienna heard yelling from outside and it was mid afternoon. She turned the corner of the house to see a young girl come running and screaming. "Help! They are going to kill my father!"

Brienna grabbed the girl and she followed her. "Jason! Jason! Help get Henry!"

The girl shrank back like she was burned. "NO! My father killed Henry because..." The girl stopped speaking and just ran tugging Brienna with her. "Please don't let them kill him!"

Jason was in the middle of meeting with a few captain of the guards when the screaming began and looked to the captains. "First disturbance?" he chuckled dryly and ran towards the commotion with three captains following close behind him. As they reached the commotion they were greeted by a hysterical girl holding onto Brienna with a pleading look. "Brienna, what the hell is going on?" he questioned as he looked towards the girl.

Brienna stopped and grabbed the girl as they came upon a fight where two men were beating the hell out of each other. Brienna shrieked as they fell and fought too close to her for comfort. She pulled back as Jason and the captains arrived to settle it. She spoke to the girl and held her away from the fighting.

Jason's eyes widened in surprise from the brawl and pointed towards the men as he looked to his captains. "Hurry and break that up!" he ordered as he rushed to Brienna's side. He heard her shriek and wanted to make sure she wasn't hurt. "Brienna, you okay?" he asked before looking back to see that the captains had separated the men. He sighed with relief, looked Brienna up and down to make sure there were no injuries and cleared his throat as he marched over to the two beaten men. "Now what the hell is going on here!? What caused you two idiots to fight like this!?" he barked with gritted teeth?

The girl ran to her father and he grabbed her in a hug and told her not to speak. The other man made a declaration. "He killed Henry and Henry was my brother so I should get to kill him!"

The girl's father stood up straight. "I did, I killed Henry so if I die so be it but he'll not be having my daughter." As the two men got closer the father pushed his daughter behind him and Brienna grabbed her and pulled her back to her. Looking at the girl she turned her around.

"What does your father mean? What is he talking about?"

Her father kept his eyes on the aggressive man and said "The foreman would collect tithes and he would take the first of everything.The first fruit, crop and the maidenheads of our girls."

Brienna was so shocked she held onto the child and the need to protect the child filled her.

Jason listened to the girl's father with an expressionless look and felt disgust towards the whole situation. A heavy sigh escaped him and he pinched the bridge of his nose. So Henry was killed after he had tried to take a girls innocence and now his brother wanted vengeance? Yep, great start to things. He shook his head and turned towards Henry's brother with a stern look. "Is this true, did Henry do these things?" he asked.

Henry's brother nodded plainly, "Of course he did, this is the way it's always been done.The foreman works hard he deserves the firsts. He killed my brother and I want his life for it!"

Brienna's jaw must have hit the floor. She had no idea that this had been going on for years. Raping girls as if they were just another crop to take. She was stumped. She had been at the castle all this time and this was going on at her own home.

"No! My father wouldn't have allowed this!" Brienna started.

"I'm sorry m'lady but he knew all about it. It's the way and always has been."

"Jason you have to do something." Brienna was literally shaking she was so upset. The young girl was clinging to her arm.

It was a struggle for Jason to hold in his emotions as he looked towards Henrys brother and clenched white knuckled fist behind his back. He felt literal disgust towards the two brothers and towards Brienna's father. Jason shook his head and glared towards Henry's brother. "You will not have his life, nor will you continue your services within this estate. I am not your previous Lord, I do not treat anyone with special treatment. You are to gather your things and leave this estate. Captain Zachery, I want you and a few of your men to escort him off of my land by sundown, understood?" the captain nodded.

Jason then looked towards Henry's killer with a frown. "As for you, I am not a father, but I can understand why you did what did. I would have done the same thing if I was in your position, but," he paused as he glanced over to Brienna and the young girl before looking back to him. "You commited murder, a crime which I cant look away from. You must understand even though Henry was a bastard and most likely deserved his fate, I can not let you off without some sort of punishment," he said and looked to his other captains.

"Escort him to the dungeons, I will figure out what his punishment will be," he finished. The guards saluted and began to lead the girls father away into the mansion.

Brienna watched as the men took the father back and one of the women walked up and the girl turned to her and started crying. Brienna turned to the woman. "All women will be protected here. The raping will not be allowed any longer. It is forbidden. It is not allowed to happen elsewhere and it most certainly will not be tolerated here.If anyone harms a girl our captains will know and the aggressor will be dealt with."

Brienna took her husband's arm and walked back with him. She was seething mad that this had been allowed and encouraged by her father. How had she grown up with this going on and never known?
@joker892

Jason paced around in his study with his arms crossed and wore a stern frown as he was deep in thought. Henry was dead after abusing his power and forcing himself on young women and the man responsible for his death had to be punished, no matter how right he was to act as a father. He let out a heavy sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Damn it, first act as lord and it had to be such a pain in the ass," he muttered and sat onto his bed before running his hands through his hair. With a lowered head he shook his head. Henry deserved his fate, but the father had to meet some sort of judgment that fit his crime. "What the hell am I gonna do?"

Brienna couldn't understand how she had lived her and not known what was going on. Had she really been that sheltered? She took the girl to the cook and let her handle the girl while she went to speak to Jason. She found him in the study pacing back and forth. Shutting the door she went to him and slid her arms around his waist and put her head against his chest for a moment.

"Please tell me forcing women is not allowed in the future?"

Jason looked down to Brienna and shook his head. "No, its not allowed. If a man were to force himself on a woman where I come from he would get his ass kicked before the law got to him," he said before looking away. "Though there are some cases where a few places in the world turn a blind eye to it," he sighed and shook his head before pulling her in closer. "I will never allow something like this to happen again, I promise you," he swore before gently kissing her forehead. He frowned and pulled away. "But murder is something that can not go unpunished, not even in this case," he said. "You understand that, right?"

Brienna understood the need for justice and she said, "....but he was defending his daughter. It's not like he went looking for him. The man was trying to take her to rape her. Doesn't that count for something? Can't we punish him another way?"

Jason avoided eye contact with Brienna and sighed. "Im not a father, but I can understand why he did the deed," he paused as he tried to find the right words. "But to take the law into his own hands and take the filthy bastards life was not his job. I may be a new lord, but law and order is what Im suppose to keep in line. Plus if I were to let him off with murder, how do you think the others would see it? That they could kill another as long as they have a justified motive? That would cause nothing but chaos," he said and looked to her with guilty eyes. "I want to let him off, but I must take the role of Lord and give him a fitting punishment. Even if I must look like a heartless bastard," he finished as he slightly tightened his grip around her.

Brienna nodded slowly and wondered how he was going to teach people who were acting like animals to behave like humans. She went to say something and thought better of it. She was not the queen's bodyguard any longer. Stepping back from him she smiled. "I understand. You could put him on hard labor for a couple of years and he might sleep in the prison with only visits through the bars to see his daughter. That would be punishment would it not?" Brienna glanced up at his eyes and saw the frustration and guilt in them.

Jason shook his head. "Thats what I thought, but I spoke with my Captains and they said it was not good enough," he said and rose to his feet before walking to his study's window. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fist in frustration as he remembered their choices. "I was suggested two choices, he be put up in public and given twenty lashes to the back and two years in the dungeon, or..." he paused before turning to Brienna with sorrow filled eyes. "Death," he muttered loud enough before looking back through the window. "Those are our choices, both are not ideal, but fit the crime," he stated. He was silent for a moment before crossing his arms and sighing heavily. What was he to do?

Brienna thought about it a moment and said, "He is strong. Give him the lashes, medical treatment and the prison for two years. That way he is punished but his daughter doesn't have to lose her father permanently." She realized suddenly that she was probably out of line speaking to her husband so openly but smiled in relief that it was Jason and that she could be herself with him and not be forced to be submissive just because she was a woman.

"That is my recommendation. To kill him would punish the child for a lifetime. There is another way that works." She reached up and kissed his lips lightly and smiled softly at him. "I'll go see how supper is coming."

Jason nodded and looked back to Brienna with a smile. "Thank you Brienna," he said and walked to the door with her. "I will go see him in the dungeons to tell him personally what his punishment will be," he said and placed a kiss on her cheek. "See you at supper," he said and parted from Brienna while hiding his uneasy frown.

Brienna went to the kitchen to see how things were going and the cook was beside herself with worry over the girl. Brienna hugged the girl and comforted her that her father was not going to die.

Jason took a deep breath as the guards of the dungeons opened the doors and lead him to the fathers cell. A frown came to his lips as he saw the father sitting silently at the end of the cell and looked to the guard to his right. "Could you bring me a chair?" the guard nodded and quickly brought Jason a chair to rest on.

"Sorry if its not the most comfortable seat my Lord," the guard apologized. Jason chuckled as he took the seat.

"Dont worry about it, this will do," he said before turning his attention to the father. He sat up straight and sighed before speaking. "So, not the best day is it?"

The father looked to be about 35 or so and in good physical shape. His hair was short and neat. He had kept his appearance up better than most in the village and now he sat quietly waiting for his new lord to decide his fate. At his words he looked up at him and shook his head slowly. "No, not the best. I ask only one thing, please make sure my daughter is looked after and cared for. She has no mother and I'm all she has."

Jason nodded. "Your daughter shall be looked after, I will personally see to that," he promised before clearing his throat. "As for your punishment, you will recieve a public lashing and spend two years within these dungeons. There will be twenty lashes and I will be the one to deliver them," he said with clenched fist. The guilt was deep in his heart, but he didnt show it.

The father nodded slowly and looked at him curiously. "May I ask you why you aren't putting me to death? That is the way it has been done in the past. A life for a life, except women are treated like cattle out here by most men. I couldn't stand by and let my daughter be..." The man had to catch himself before his own pain were to run down his face. "She is all I have left of her mother."

Jason shrugged and chuckled dryly. "I guess I just dont want to see a girl lose her only remaining family member. Plus, Im tired of seeing death and if I can I want to avoid it," he said and rubbed his chin. "I will see that women of all ages are protected from such a nasty crime, so know that your daughter will never have to worry about being taken advantage of by pigs like Henry," he finished with a small smile.

The father gave a sad smile and nodded. "For that I thank you my lord." About that moment the father broke into a wide smile and the young woman ran to the bars "father!"

Brienna was with her and walked more slowly than the daughter. She was sad that there was going to be such a long time for them with bars between them. "M'lord I have given Emily a job in the kitchens and she is going to stay here, in the servants quarters. She will be able to bring her father his meals and she will be well looked after. I hope that is alright with everyone." Brienna smiled knowing Jason wouldn't mind.

Jason smiled and nodded as he rose from his seat. "Thats fine, I was thinking of giving her a job here anyways," he said and looked to the girl. "You are free to see your father anytime you are free and please feel free to ask me for any help you may need," he said as he held up his arm for his wife. "Anyway, I think we should let these two speak for a while. Shall we?" he asked with a smile as he glanced to Brienna.

Brienna slid her arm around her husband's waist as he reached her side. "It feels so strange being back here. I was at the castle for so long. It's like a whole other life here. Don't you feel it like that too?" Stopping she realized he hadn't only this to compare it too and wondered if he was also thinking about his old life in the future. They were at the top of the stairs and she pulled him into the dining room. She left him there for only a moment and came back with a large picnic basket and a blanket.

"It's so nice out I thought we might eat outside by the lake. It's also nice and private there." Brienna had horses already waiting outside and in just a few moments they were at the lake and sitting on the blanket opening up their food.

Feeling a little insecure in her world as it had changed so much she wondered. "If you were given the oportunity would you go back to your future world?"

Jason looked to Brienna before looking up into the sky with a straight. "Would I go back?" he muttered to himself. "Well, everything I left is still very precious to me and I miss my family every second of the day," he said and looked to Brienna with a smile. "But coming here and meeting you has been the greatest thing to ever happen to me," he chuckled and held her hand gently. "Im here with you and I couldn't be happier. So no, I would stay here by your side," he finished with a grin.

Brienna was a little suprised to hear that he wouldn't go back. "Really? You mean all of the violence and bloodshed hasn't put you off yet?" She chuckled softly and leaned over and kissed him tenderly on the lips. "I'm glad you would stay by my side. I'd likely be Elizabeth's maid for life if you weren't here. And I'd rather be with you." She handed him a plate with his supper on it and made her own.

"I want to thank you for the father's sentence. With her at the house we can look after her and she can save a little money while he is in there. I wouldn't want her on her own with him in prison. I think she would likey be in more trouble that way."

Brienna put her plate down and looked out over the water.

@joker892

Brienna looked out over the water. Her thoughts were a little worried and her brow furrowed just a little. The smile that splayed over her lips never quite met her eyes. She turned back to the basket and pulled out a bottle of wine and handed him a glass of it.

"I worry. If this was happening here all these years...I wonder if it is a rampant problem all over England."

Jason took the glass and shook his head. "I hate to say it, but no matter where or when things like this happen all the time. Some places it is just how things are. Its sick, but one of the harsh realities of this world," he said and looked to his glass. "But I will do all in my power to make sure that harsh reality doesnt make its way here. To protect you and everyone else who depends on me," he finished before looking up to Brienna with a confident smile.

Brienna smiled at his words. She knew in her heart he was a good man and she was glad she had found him. Her eyes naturally scanned the area for bandits as years working for the queen had taught her. She wondered if she would ever lose those skills. Spying no one in the area she set her glass down and moved towards her husband. The sparkle in her eyes told him everything he needed to know of her intent as she took his glass from him and set it next to hers before kissing him.

A smile came to Jasons lips as he pulled his wife in closer to deepen the kiss. Their time together went on without any problems and the two returned to the estate. As they approached the estates entrance Jason spotted a dozen or so guards formed up within the court yard. Jason smiled a bit to see that the fresh guards one of the captains had requested finally arrived, but as they neared the new guards he raised an eyebrow as he saw a somewhat familiar person. "Lucas?" he muttered to himself. The man that had caught Jasons attention stood in front of the new guards, barking orders and such. The man finally turned as Jason and his wife approached him and Jason felt his smile stretch ear to ear. "Dear god it is you Lucas!" he laughed as he jumped from his horse. Lucas gave a quick salute before letting a smirk come to his lips.

"My Lord, its is good to see you once again," Lucas said. Jason shook his head and waved him off.

"Come on man, no need for that. I dont want a friend calling me Lord," he chuckled as he scanned the men Lucas had been barking at earlier. "So, I see you got a little higher within the ranks," Lucas chuckled and nodded.

"Yes I have, but it seems you have me beat," he said as he gestured around the estate. Jason gave a bashful grin and rubbed the back of his head.

"Guess so," he chuckled and looked to Brienna. "Oh, let me introduce you to my wife, Brienna. Brienna, this is Lucas, we were in basic training together," he finished as he wrapped his arm around Lucas neck with a grin.

Brienna smiled at the happiness in Jason's eyes. She already knew Lucas from the castle but she didn't point that out. She nodded and smiled. "Welcome Lucas, what is it that brings you out here? Is there a problem at the castle?"

Lucas shook his head and rested his hand on his swords hilt. "Not at all, we were just given orders that we were to be stationed here until further notice," Jason nodded and looked to Brienna.

"Yeah, sorry to not tell you but one of the captains had requested that we have more guards sent our way. Which reminds me that I need to finish up a meeting with them later," he said with a sigh before looking to Lucas. "Anyway we really need to catch up later," Lucas nodded with a smile.

"Agreed, I want to hear the full story on how you became a bloody Lord after your first misson," he chuckled.

Brienna chuckled and wondered what was going on that Elizabeth sent them more guards. She entered the house and ordered the maids and cook to see th the guards and make sure that they ate. She looked out the window at the group and noticed that William was among them. She frowned. Their last meeting was not a happy one. Why was he here and what trouble was he going to cause?

A bit of time had passed and Jason had searated from his wife and Lucas as he made his way to his study. As he entered he saw that his captains were already waiting on him. As they saw him they all gave bows or salutes. Jason nodded and sat down in his chair. As he sat the captains took their own seats and Jason cleared his throat. "Alright men, now we can finish our meeting without worry. Zachery, I believe you were going to inform me of something before that rather large commotion. Please continue," the captain nodded.

"Of course my lord, before the commotion I had already informed you of the new unit of guards I had requested, but I was unable to tell you why," he said and looked to the other captains with a hint of unease. "You see my lord, the last lord of this estate was... harsh, as you may have already heard or witnessed. He treated the people as if they were his to control and did as he please without worry. He had his men punish the innocent for petty crimes while he did buisness with smugglers or other sorts of criminals. His actions and cruel nature has created a spark within the people, a spark of rage. They no longer trust the estate and are hesitant to even speak out against it in fear that they will have their tongues cut out," Jason listened to the captains words closely and frowned to hear how the people lived in such fear.

"So captain, what are you telling me exactlly?" Jason asked. The captains around the room looked to each other with unease before Zachery finally took a deep breath and spoke.

"We have reason to believe that the people are planning to overthrow the estate," he said with a heavy voice. Jason clenched his fist, but kept a calm look.

"Are you sure? Why would the people want to overthrow us after their last lord was killed?" he asked.


"They are paranoid my lord, they no longer trust us and would rather see this place burnt to the ground then take their chances with a new lord," Jason took a deep breath and looked around to his captains. This was a serious threat that could put not only his life, but the life of his wife on the line.

"We will have to try and earn the peoples trust back then, but I want the guards to keep an eye out for trouble. I would also want my wife to have an escort with her at all times. Have Lucas do it and no matter what my wife says you are to follow my orders, understood?" Jason finished. The captains all saluted and Jason sighed. This was really not his week.

Brienna watched William put his horse in the stables and she walked out to find out why he was there. She entered and saw him brushing his horse and putting away the tack. He looked up and smiled at her.

"Hello Brienna! I was hoping to see you soon. I came out as soon as I heard about some of the buildings needing repairs." When he was finished he walked up to her and pulled her by the waist and hugged her way too intimately for her liking. She pushed him back and smiled uncomfortably.

"That was kind of you. I'm sure there are a lot of buildings in need of repair in the village. My father was a terrible landlord. The maids are making up rooms for all of you in the building to the left of the house. I'm certain you will be comfortable there."


William nodded. He slipped back into the friendly handy man role she was used to but she couldn't help but remember the unguarded look in his eyes he had when he pulled her into his arms. Brienna had never been scared of a man before like that but she was a little worried that Willian was really there to cause trouble.


"Then I'll see you tomorrow my lady." Brienna nodded and hurried back inside the house and she went up to her bedroom and watched everything outside from her window and hid behind her curtain when William was in sight.

A groan escaped Jason as he walked through the hallway and rubbed the back of his neck. "I really need a lazy day," he muttered as he enetered his room. The day wasnt over yet, but he needed to rest for a bit. As he entered he saw Brienna and let a smirk crawl onto his face. He carefully closed the door and snuck his way behind her. As he reached behind her he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulled her in and leaned in close to her ear. "Enjoying the view angel?" he chuckled.

She had heard the door close so she had guessed it was her husband's arms around her and his voice brought a smile to her lips. She turned her head towards his ear and replied, "I was not, I had not seen you. You were hiding on me?" She playfully pouted as she turned in his arms and wrapped them around his neck drawing him down to her. "My eyes only seek you as does the rest of me. Were you looking to nap my love? Are you weary?"

Jason scoffed. "Me? Weary? The very idea!" he said before yawning and hugging her close as if she were a pillow. "The idea actually fits well with me," he chuckled and pulled away from the hug with a smirk. "This whole being a lord thing is way harder than working as a guard or farmer," he admitted.

Brienna laughed softly. "It does have it's trials." She pulled his jacket off of his shoulders and tossed it onto the chair near the fireplace. "So what is the reason the guard is here and did you notice? William is here also." She stopped so he would catch all she had said.

"He said he is here to help repair the buildings in need when I saw him in the stable." Brienna felt something foreboding coming when she thought of William at the manor and she felt a slight shiver creep up her spine.

Focussing back on Jason she smiled. "How can I help relax you my love?"

Jason shook his head. "The captains just wanted to beef up our guards becuase of a few threats concerning wild animals seen near the estate, nothing big," he said. He wasnt lying, there has been a few sighting of wild animals getting close to the estate, but he felt it was best that he hold off telling her of the bigger threat for now. "And William is here? Great, he can get the job done in no time," he chuckled. "As for what you can do to help little old me relax? Well could you massage my neck for a bit? Been killing me lately," he said while rolling his neck.

Brienna pushed him backwards til he was seated on the end of the bed. She climbed onto the bed herself and placed her hands on his shoulders and began to massage his neck and shoulders with quite a lot of strength in her hands. Within just a few minutes she could hear the difference in his breaths as his tension was relaxed in his neck. Once she heard that she ran her fingers over his chest and whispered into his ear.

"Are you ready for your nap now love?" She crawled up into the bed herself and she kicked her shoes off to the side and yanked her dress over her head leaving herself in a slip.

Jason let a smile crawl onto his face as he crawled over to Brienna while letting his fingers gently run up her body. "I can already tell this is the best nap ever," he chuckled before pulling her in for a kiss. He let his hands explore her body once more as he pressed his body closer to hers.

Brienna's mind was instantly cleared of all thoughts of the guards and William. As he began his explorations her slip somehow slid right off of her body. Her giggles as he found ticklish spots seemed louder and louder. She wasn't sure when he seemed to have lost his clothes but she found him bare quickly and her kisses became insistant as his passions arose to her attention.

Jason could feel the heat of the moment rising up within him and let out a chuckle as he pulled her atop of him with a grin. He let his hands travel up and down her waist as his desire for her grew every second. "Want to help this weary man?" he asked as fixed himself into position from under her.

Brienna blushed and whispered "always m'lord." She leaned forward and kissed him before sliding her hips down accepting him into her most feminine of places. Her fullness as she tightened around him caused her breath to become shallow and quicker. She began to move over him slowly at first relishing the fullness inside of her and then more purposefully she strode toward her goal of blissful explosion. Her eyes glazed over in passion as he moved with her.

He grinned and quickened his pace into her. He began to lose himself in the lust and rose up to lay his head within her chest. His breathing became heavy and his lips found themselves around her breast as he began to suckle them with eagerness.

Brienna slid down to him and rolled off of him and pulled him on top of her. She wrapped her legs around him and lifted herself back up to him. She sighed heavily as he slid back into her warmth and her hands slid up his sides and she pulled him down to kiss her.

Through his heavy breathing he chuckled and kissed her neck gently before nibbiling on her earlobe. He quickened his thrust within her and could feel her grip around him grow tighter, making him closer to his climax. "Im close," he muttered into her ear as he continued to thrust himself deeper within her.

Brienna felt her body tightening around him and she was unable to speak as her body carried her through wave after wave of pleasure. Her soft cries seemed to urge him on. When she hit her climax she couldn't stop the deathgrip her body had on his and she bit into her lip as it became almost painful. Her body slowly let him go enough for him to continue towards his own release.

Jason pulled her in close to him as he neared his climax and kissed her deeply as he continued to thrust into her. Soon enough he could feel the amazing delightful feeling of his climax fill his body with pleasure as he finished inside of Brienna. He pannted heavily and gently laid her onto the bed. He held her hand softly and chuckled as he kissed the top of her hand gently. "Best way to take a nap," he stated before pulling her in close to him.

Brienna lay back breathing hard and chuckled softly at his remark. "I agree." She lay there a moment in his arms and she decided to leave what was bothering her alone. It was probably just her imagination anyway. "So you are alright with William being here even though he was a jerk at the castle? I guess if you are okay with it so am I."

Jason thought for a moment and shrugged. "Cant blame the guy really, he fell in love with a wonderful woman. I would probably have handled things a bit better, but I wont hold anything against him," he said before looking to her with a bit more of a serious look. "But Im still a little weary of him when he is around you, make sure if he tries anything or freaks you out in anyway to let me know and I will talk to him. Okay?"

Brienna kissed him soflty and nodded, "Okay." She let her eyes close as her body gave in to her weariness.

@Wick